LAst Night's Action: Local Teams, Players Stumble

Braves 8, Dodgers 6 - The Dodgers couldn't hold an early lead against Atlanta, as Brad Penny's stellar stats were tarnished with six runs and nine hits in just four innings. Chipper Jones was the star of the game, going yard from both sides of the plate. His 372nd career home run sealed the win for the Braves and set the club's all time record.

Angels 5, Rangers 2 - LAnaheim avoided a sweep against lowly Texas thanks to a stellar performance from Kelvim Escobar. Hours after being told he wasn't selected for his first all-star game, Escobar allowed one run over seven innings for his tenth win of the season. He struck out eight and walked three (all BBs to Marlon Byrd). Between pitches in the sixth, Gary Matthews, Jr. slipped and fell near second base. In an effort to save face he tried to steal third, but was picked off. Klutz.

Fever 57, Sparks 56 - Indiana's coach admitted that her team didn't play well, but it turned out OK. Los Angeles played worse. The Sparks shot less than 31% and have won just two games in their last 10. LAist noticed that the box score claims Lisa Leslie didn't play due to a coach's decision, but we don't think he really had any choice about her pregnancy.

Elsewhere - Kobe apologized to Mitch Cupcake, but probably still wants out ... Leadoff hitters are supposed to be quirky, but maybe the Angels should give Reggie Willits a raise ... Both have palm trees, but what does Sochi, Russia have that Los Angeles doesn't? The Olympics. The Winter Olympics, that is ... Team USA blew it in soccer tournament, though they didn't exactly send the "A" team.

Tonight's Action - The Dodgers welcome Florida for the weekend while the Angels head to New York to take on the Yankees.

AP photo by Chris Carlson.