Oscar GarzaIf you would've told me that the Dodgers would score 6 runs on 14 hits in Game 1, I would've taken that bet on a victory.
Unfortunately, the Dodgers gave up eight earned runs. Eight. Joe Torre's roll of the dice to start 21-year-old Clayton Kershaw didn't pay off as he gave up five runs and five walks in 4.2 innings, including a three run home run to Phillies catcher Carlos Ruiz.
OK, it's one thing to give up a dinger to Ryan Howard or Chase Utley or Jayson Werth or Raul Ibañez, but you're not going to beat the defending world champions by giving up three run shots to the guy who bats eighth in the lineup. And George Sherrill, who has been great since coming over from the Orioles, gave up a three-run shot to Ibañez in the eighth inning. Ouch.
The Dodgers left 10 men on base. Ten frickin' men. 'Nuff said.
Now the heat is on Vicente Padilla, who is starting Game 2 Friday afternoon. It's a must-win, folks. And the Dodgers are starting a late season pickup who's been great, but, honestly, doesn't the rotation feel a little tenuous all of a sudden?
And winning Game 1 means Phillies manager Charlie Manuel doesn't have to bring back Cliff Lee on short rest. Instead, Pedro Martinez will start. Petey! We'll find out what he has left. I like the Dodgers' chances.
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