Dodgers Take 2 of 3 from D-Backs

After a tough loss Thursday in San Diego and a blowout loss Friday in the opener of a three game set with Arizona, the Dodgers bounced back with their first two game winning streak of the season. James McDonald struggled Friday night, completely losing control in the decisive third inning. He walked three batters, hit another, and allowed a home run to Chris Young all in the third inning. McDonald doesn't have a history of control problems, so I think the Dodgers can chalk that one up to nerves. He is slated to start again Sunday against Colorado and I expect him to bounce back with a strong outing.

Saturday night the Dodger offense came through with the first breakout performance of the young season. The Dodgers had eleven hits, six for extra bases, as well as five walks. Orlando Hudson led the way with a home run and a double, and Casey Blake (spelled Kasey Blake in my book for his early season propensity to strike out) came through with his second home run of the year as well as a double. But the key to the night was Eric Stults' performance. Filling in for an injured Hiroki Kuroda, Stults gave the Dodgers the strong performance they needed. With the bullpen already on fumes five games into the new year, Stults went 5.1 innings while giving up only one run and striking out five. He gave way to Belisario, who is starting to become a favorite of mine, who proceeded to get the ball to Wade in the eighth. By that time, the outcome was decided and the Dodgers cruised to the victory.

Sunday's game was controlled by Randy Wolf. Wolf, bouncing back from his shaky outing in San Diego, got the Dodgers into the eighth inning before giving up a leadoff single to Chad Tracy. Hong-Chih Kuo, anonymous to all of baseball except Dodger fans, came in and promptly retired the side. Then came Broxton, who shut the door 1-2-3 for his third save. Broxton was much maligned during the offseason, but he is showing what he can do given the opportunity to close. I have been very impressed with him so far, and I expect him to keep it up. The offense scored a run on a bizarre play in the second inning. I'll let the umpire explain that one and save my breath. The Dodgers added a second run on a James Loney single in the third, and then added one for insurance when Matt Kemp extended his hitting streak to seven games with an RBI double in the ninth. All in all, a well pitched game for the Dodgers which led to the victory. If the Dodgers can get these types of performances from Randy Wolf on occasion, the pitching staff will be very good.

Overall, the first week was a decent start to the season for the Dodgers. They should probably be 5-2, as Thursday's loss was a game they should have won, but I think they will take the start. The Dodgers now come home to Los Angeles for their home opener tomorrow against the hated Giants. Chad Billingsley takes on Randy Johnson in what should be an exciting pitching matchup. The home opener is always a fun event, and hopefully the Dodgers can add a victory to the festivities. I'll be there with Stong and Adam taking in a great day at the ballpark. Go Dodgers!