LA Dodgers defeat Colorado Rockies 7-6. Matt Kemp hit a homer in consecutive games for the first time since August 21 and 22. Fortunately for the Dodgers it was his fifth career grand slam that gave the Dodgers the 5-1 lead in the third inning. The Rockies being resilient, they had the bases loaded and one out in the ninth inning down 7-5 with Ronald Belisario on the mound. But Belisario got out of the jam allowing only one run to score. The Dodgers sweep the series begging the question where this performance was when they were still in the wild card hunt back in the last weekend of August.
LAst Night's Action: Dodgers, Angels Sweep Towards .500
Ageless in the Outfield
Why are these men smiling? Because last night Barry Bonds, Moises Alou, and Steve Finley became the first trio of 40 year-olds to start in the outfield for a major league baseball team.
West Champs
Congratulations to the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, on clinching the AL West. While we at LAist admit to a strong Dodger bias, and changing the team name didn't make us think the Angels were an LA team, we acknowledge them as a SoCal team. And we can't help but admire the work that Arte Moreno has done.
Playoff Pitch
The Angels capped off a dramatic series victory over their northern rivals thanks to an offense that EXPLODED for three runs. While the win was important, the Angels still have serious reason to be concerned.
Long Way to Lose
While LAist still thinks the Angels will wind up winning the West, Bill Stoneman and Mike Scioscia need to be very concerned about the team's hitting. The Halos are 10th in the AL in runs scored, and 13th in both On-Base Percentage and Slugging Percentage, ahead of only the Seattle Mariners. It's almost embarrassing to play 18 innings against the Blue Jays and score just one run off seven of their pitchers.
Spring Fever
Scott Erickson of all people will take the hill for the Azul, as Mr. Lisa Guerrero desperately seeks a Major League job again.
LAist End of the Year Sports Awards
He may no longer be a Laker, but Derek Fisher's shot with 0.4 seconds left against San Antonio was the best thing to happen to LA sports fans all year. With every Laker annoying the hell out of the city of LA, from Shaq to Kobe to Malone to the Glove to Phil to Jerry Buss to Jeannie Buss, it was always nice to know that D-Fish was around. Sure, he couldn't defend to save his life. And he probably did take too many threes. But Derek Fisher was a consummate professional who was finally rewarded for years of hard work and humility.
No! Adrian!
According to ESPN's Peter Gammons and The Sporting News' Ken Rosenthal, Adrian Beltre has signed a five-year contract with the Seattle for somewhere between $60 and $65 million.
PLAYOFFS, BABY!
This Dodgers team has been absolutely incredible. Despite a pitching rotation which has been in tatters in all season long, the Dodgers have managed a whopping 53 come-from-behind wins, and 16 when trailing after 8 innings. Talk about clutch.
The Hunt for Blue October
Well, we're getting closer to the former each day, as the Dodgers looked like a playoff team in rallying from behind and beating the Cubs 8-5 yesterday.
Worth Every Penny
There are rumors circulating again that the Dodgers might be back in the Randy Johnson sweepstakes, or might acquire Steve Finley, but we'll leave that aside for now.

