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The Dodgers must really not like Derek Lowe.
Yet another decent outing for him giving up one earned and on unearned run, and the Dodgers scored nothing. No runs on nine hits. No runs on bases loaded with one out in the eighth inning. No hits in 12 chances with runners in scoring position. Nothing in a 2-0 loss to the D-Backs.
I’m not saying Prozac was perfect, but neither was D-Back’s pitcher Brandon Webb. Both threw well over 100 pitches in seven innings (well 6 2/3 innings for Prozac) and had troubles with keeping the ball low. There were six fly balls hit from each pitcher.
The biggest concern for the Dodgers now is Nomar Garciaparra. So far this month he is batting .210, just 16 for 76. In this series against the D-Backs, he is batting 0-14. Is he still feeling the effects of the flu that knocked him out of the Devil Ray’s series this past weekend? Is he just falling apart before our eyes? Is he having problems seeing the ball?
To me it seems he’s too aware he’s in a slump and is trying too hard. In crucial situations, he’s striking out on bad pitches. And by bad pitches I mean high high fastballs, sliders far away from the plate and very low breaking balls. For his sake I hope he is watching video and taking extra batting practice.
Even though they lost tonight, there’s not too much to worry about. I still say they need to get Matt Kemp in the everyday line up, but with James Loney’s hot bat the Dodgers should be all right for now. And let's face it, at least the Dodgers didn't get swept by the AAA Kansas City Royals.
AP Photo by Ross D. Franklin
