Dodgers Find Offense And Wolf’s 100th Career Win

In a highlight-laden game, a storm of Dodger-good and Padre-bad netted the Los Angeles Dodgers (81-56) a 7-4 victory.

The Dodger bats came alive, pitcher Randy Wolf mowed down Padres batters like it was his job (which it actually is,) and Padre shortstop Everth Cabrera’s three errors bolstered the Dodgers run tally.

Retiring his final thirteen hitters, Randy Wolf (10-5) pitched seven dominant innings of two-run, four-hit, five-strikeout ball for his 100th career win.

“It took a long time but it was definitely nice to get that win,” said the Canoga Park-native, Wolf, who turned 33 last month.

The victory was his fifth in six tries and tied the SoCal series at one game each.

“We gave him a little something to work with which was important,” said Dodgers Manager Joe Torre of the victory before 53,368.

"They came out swinging today," said Wolf.

With the chasing Rockies and Giants both winning today, the Dodgers maintained their 4.5 game hold over the NL West.

“We needed this win, again we had only lost one game, but you still want to put something together," said Torre. "Maybe we can get a handful together and get ourselves where we’re going out there, expecting to win all the time.”

The Dodgers found plenty of offense in small bursts. Their lone moment of big power was a lone solo home run from Andre Ethier (#28) off of Edward Mujica in the fourth.

“I think when Juan’s in the game you automatically think of small things,” said Torre of Juan Pierre, who filled in for Manny Ramirez. Pierre’s numerous contributions weren’t as statistical as teammates Rafael Furcal, James Loney and Andre Ethier, who had two hits a piece.

“I don’t care what kind of club I’ve ever had, I’ve always tried to preach about the small things, and big things will happen,” said Torre. “That certainly was a big thing today.”

With two RBIs tonight, Loney nears joining Ethier and Kemp, both members of the 80 RBI club.

The Dodgers relief pitching was a mixture of effective and anxiety-producing. After allowing two hits in the eight, Joe Torre pulled Ramon Troncoso with two outs. His replacement, George Sherrill, who has been lights-out as a Dodger, struck out Padres slugger Adrian Gonzalez to prevent a Padre charge.

In the game’s last frame, James McDonald gave up three hits to three Padre batsmen. In came Ironman, Brox The Ox, Jonathan Broxton. Allowing one hit, and striking out two, Broxton found his 32nd save.

“[W]e got Brox with the SOS real quick,” said Torre.

Padres starting pitcher Mat Latos (4-5) had a bizarre three innings, using 80 pitches. He gave up three hits, and four runs crossed the plate, only two were charged to him thanks to Cabrera’s goofs.

It was Latos’ five walks and rare two-balk game that showed something wasn’t quite right with the hurler.

And Whatnot

Tomorrow: The annual “Shirts Off Their Backs” silent auction which will include Sunday's game-worn jerseys from Joe Torre, Manny Ramirez, Jim Thome, and more. Bids will be be submitted by 3:10 - 6:45 p.m. on Sunday on the Club Level outside of the Vin Scully Press Box.

The "Star Spangled Banner" sounded especially amazing tonight thanks to Luz Rios' pipes.

The setting sun gave red and pink hues to the dense white smoke of the Station Fire in the distance beyond Elysian Park.

Jim Thome is now 1-for-2 as a Dodger. He struck out in the seventh.

The Padres trail the Dodgers by 21 games.

Manny Ramirez had the night off.

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