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Dodgers Blow 6-0 Lead, Swept By Phillies
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Hip-hop and modern rock were noticably absent from the Dodger Stadium public address system this afternoon. Music from the 1940’s could be heard; it matched the Dodgers' powder blue Brooklyn uniforms from that era. However, with an emotional 9-8 loss to the Phillies, the Dodgers’ contemporary struggles were very much on display.
In front of an announced 41,807 fans (many presumably attending the 12:10 p.m. businessman’s special for the half-price concessions), the Dodgers lost a 6-0 lead, and were swept in the last of a long three-game series by the bruisers with the best record in the league.
Dodgers Manager Don Mattingly put it simply: “That was a frustrating day.”
In the first inning, Dodger bats abused 23 year-old starter Vance Worley, suggesting Philadelphia dominance might take a day off the display case. Worley -- one of the few Phillies pitchers who isn’t an All-Star -- left the game after four innings, having surrendered seven hits, six runs, and walking three. But by this point, the Phils were on the scoreboard as Dodger starter Chad Billingsley threw an inefficient 99 pitches in 4.1 innings. Bills allowed seven hits and two earned runs (though five were put on the board due to Dodger fielding blunders.)
“I was struggling with my command a little bit,” said Billingsley who received a no decision on the day.
Phillies slugger Ryan Howard, who reached base four times today, commented on his team’s approach to digging out of a hole: “You just kind of chip away, get a run here, get a run there, and next thing you know you’re back in the game.”
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That plan was complete by the sixth inning when the Phillies took a 9-7 lead thanks to four runs produced by stars Chase Utley, Jimmy Rollins and Howard (home run #25.) For his work in this innings, Blake Hawksworth took the loss (2-3.) Kyle Kendrick (7-5) won the game for the Phillies and Ryan Madson saved his 22nd game of the year.
“Vance [Worley] got off to a little bit of a rough start but we were able to pick him up today,” said Howard.
The Dodgers five run first inning featured Matt Kemp’s RBI single, Juan Rivera’s three-run home run (#2) and Dioner Navarro’s RBI double. A Dioner Navarro sac fly scored Kemp in the third to extend the Dodger lead to 6-0. Kemp’s day saw a season high-tying four hits as well as a stolen base (#30.) He’s now but four home runs from the 30/30 club.
The Phillies first runs of the game came on new acquisition Hunter Pence’s 14th home run of the year, a two-run shot in the fourth. Both teams used a combined 12 pitchers in a lengthy game that lasted 3:41.
And Whatnot
* Tomorrow, 6 pm: Dodger first baseman James Loney will host the Seventh Annual State Farm Dodgers Dream Foundation Bowling Extravaganza at LA Live’s Lucky Strike Lanes. Some announced Dodger attendees will be: Don Mattingly, Matt Kemp, Clayton Kershaw, Kenley Jansen, Ken Howell, Rick Honeycutt, Jamey Carroll, and Vin Scully. Handfuls of other entertainment starts will be on hand to bowl as well.
* Today’s early lunch in the Press Box Dining Room lunch featured a memorable peach cobbler.
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* This morning TBS announced that Lopez Tonight was being canceled. George Lopez out today's game's first pitch. There's no word from the Dodgers to indicate if that was a job audition.
* On Friday at 7:10 p.m. the Dodgers host the Houstin Astros for three at Chavez-Ravine.
Follow Caleb Bacon on Twitter at @theCalebBacon.
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