Well, that was embarassing. It was bad enough splitting four games at home to the Diamondbacks, but to then follow that up and lose two of three to the Padres, too? Something isn't right with this team.
Granted they didn't quit on tonight's game, and they really haven't quit on any game, they seem to have fallen back into old habits of wasting at-bats and leaving too many runners on base. The offense has suddenly become a liability for this team as they struggle to score runs consistently.
And on top of all that, they're wasting great pitching. Kuroda didn't have his best stuff, but he battled and kept the game close tonight. He gave up four runs, and then turned it over to the pen who completely shut down the Padres. So, there is still hope.
But my first beef of the night was benching Matt Kemp. Why? Because he was something like one for his last 18 or something like that? He's been one of the two most consistent hitters in the lineup all season, and he gets benched because of a mini-slump. Go figure.
Kemp isn't someone who needs a day off. James Loney and Rafael Furcal are guys who need days off. And perhaps even Russell Martin. These guys have struggle for much of the season. But Matt Kemp? I don't get it.
So, the Dodgers remain tied with the Cards at 81-57 for the best record in the N.L., but the Cards are technically ahead because they're 5-2 against the Dodgers this season. The Dodger lead is back down to 3½ games over the Rockies. A week ago, it was a six game lead after a nice 4-2 roadtrip, including winning two of three in Colorado against the Rockies. But now they have to go back to Arizona again, where they lost two of three there just three weeks ago, and just split four with them on this homestand.
The Dodgers seem to play better when they're challenged by good teams. So maybe a trip to the Bay Area next weekend is just what the doctor ordered? We'll find out soon enough, but they've got to get their act together offensively and use their schedule this month to their advantage. A 5-5 mark against Pittsburgh (seven games) and Washington (three games) later in the month will be unacceptable.
As for tomorrow's game, it's a Labor Day matinee. Vicente Padilla takes the bump for the Blue, and opposes Arizona's Max Scherzer. Game time is 12:40pm PT.
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