Dodger Bats Come Alive as Pitching Gives a Scare

(Pic Link: TwitPic @aj82lo)

What a nice offensive showing by the Boys in Blue this evening; especially after a shellacking I would prefer to forget. Nine hits, a bomb by Kemp, and a couple of triples helped propel the Dodgers past the Giants in a nail-biter, 7 to 5.

The Dodgers even showed some heart as they retook the lead after being unable to hold a early three run cushion. They just continued to hack away and grab a victory.

Kuroda was good enough to win as he held the Giants at bay, but the relief staff was another story. Kuo was shaky and Guerrier did not instill much confidence- although he did finish the job by limiting the damage. The enigmatic Broxton was roughed up again as he gave up another home run and put the tying run at the plate. Fortunately, he was able to close the doors and recorded his third save.

Not a bad start for the Dodger so far. They take the first series of the season and (I like to think) force the Giants to leave town with their tails between their legs. Three wins and one loss, I'd take that any day.

Colorado is next as the Dodger leave town on their first road trip for a game Tuesday.

(Pic Link: TwitPic Tommy Lasorda)
*********

• MLB Trade Rumors starts thinking about who will be the Dodgers fifth starter next Sunday. They speculate that they may call up Ely, or make room for Tim Redding at the risk of removing someone from the 40 man roster. Get the details here.

(Pic Link: Plixi Dodgers)

*************

• A fund has been set up for Bryan Stow. He is currently in a medically induced coma after being attacked in the Dodgers parking lot.

Donations for Bryan: Go to at any bank listed at www.CUSWIRL.com or Common Wealth Credit Union and donate to account number #118881 at Common Wealth Credit Union.

Auto Collection: Hamulak Sweet Spot's

Tim Hamulack was a Dodger who didn't quite stick with the big club. He didn't look too bad, especially while in the Mets minor league organization, but faltered when he made the show. His one claim to fame, for which LFP memorializes right here, was for plunking Bonds in retaliation for a pitch to the head of Jeff Kent.

Above is a Tim Hamulack Sweet Spot Signatures card from 2006 in my collection. I also have one of the odd variations that exist. Below is the "red & blue" stitch version that is numbered to 50.

Blog Kiosk: 4/3/2011

• Baseball Analytics takes a look at Andre Ethier's slugging numbers at home and away.
  
• Sunshine has some great photos from Opening Day, check it out at LEAVes of Dodger Blue.
  
• A complete rundown of short prints and variations in 2011 Heritage Baseball has just been announced by Topps, here.
• Learn how to throw a knuckleball from Jim Bouton, via Deadspin.
  
• I thought this video was the best April Fools Joke this year. From the Kings- In House Kings Blogger Rich Hammond in Undisputed. Oh, and here's his blog.