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Los Angeles Dodgers’ knuckleball pitcher Charlie Haeger had a rough day at the office. At least it was quick.
The Colorado Rockies walloped the Dodgers 8 - 0. The bulk of the away team's offense came in the game’s early minutes courtesy of a very off Haeger. Manager Joe Torre pulled him after only 22 pitches, and before recording the game’s first out.
“You let the first five guys reach base, and you’re down four to nothing with nobody out, maybe it’s time to make a [pitching] change,” said Haeger, now 0 - 4. “I understand the hook.”
It was the first time a Dodgers pitcher has started a game and not recorded an out since August 8, 1988 when Tommy Lasorda pulled Sean Hillegas after four batters.
Haeger’s return to the dugout featured a chorus of boos. The knuckler’s season ERA has climbed to a staggering 8.49.
Relief pitcher Ramon Ortiz entered the game in the mulligan-esque starting/reliever role. Lasting five innings, Oritz kept the Dodgers from any more significant harm. Using 82 pitches, he allowed six hits and just two earned runs (via an Ian Stewart homerun slightly taller than the the leaping glove of center fielder Matt Kemp. )
Despite the Dodgers’ clear pitching woes, their offense was nowhere to be seen thanks to a dominant performance by the Rockies' 22 year old pitcher Jhoulys Chacin (2 - 0.)
“Chasin pitched very well and he knew how to pitch with a lead,” said Torre. “That’s for sure.”
The Venezuelan lasted seven and one-third innings, allowing the Dodgers six hits, no runs, and two walks across 117 pitches.
The Dodgers managed seven hits. Three of them came on three at-bats from the red hot Andre Ethier. Another came from Manny Ramirez back for his first game from the 15-Day Disabled List.
When the carnage had subsided, the Rockies would score but one run after the third inning. Rookie Carlos Monasterios, George Sherrill and Jeff Weaver pitched four innings of one-run ball to conclude the game.
The most favorable cry from the crowd might have been in the bottom of the third when the Lakers victory over the Utah Jazz was announced on DodgerVision.
Follow Caleb Bacon on Twitter @thecalebbacon.
