Boston Celtics defeat LA Lakers 131-92. Did anyone tell the Lakers they had a game to play? It's over. The Lakers made it interesting in the first quarter being down only four points. After that it was all Celtics. It was a beat down of epic proportions, and I still don't know what to say.
LA Dodgers defeat Cincinnati Reds 3-1. Should it count as breaking news when a Dodgers win a game? Given they've lost 17 of their last 23 games, it should be front page on the Four-Letter Network's website. The Dodgers got strong pitching from Chad Billingsley who went 6 1/3 innings giving up only five hits with nine strikeouts. On a day when Brad Penny was sent to the disabled list with inflammation and tendinitis of his throwing shoulder and Hiroki Kuroda being sent back to LA to get an MRI on his sore right shoulder, the Dodgers will need to rely on the arms of Billingsley, Derek Lowe, Clayton Kershaw and Eric Stults.
LA Angels defeat NY Mets 6-1. After weeks of speculation, Met's GM Omar Minaya inexplicably fired manager Willie Randolph hours after his team beat the Angels 9-6. The Angels just as surprisingly torched Met's ace Johan Santana for five runs, three in the first inning. Well actually it's not that surprising since Santana is 2-3 with a 4.05 ERA against the Angels coming into the game. John Lackey pitched 7 2/3 innings giving up his only run in the first inning. So to review: the Mets win; fire manager; lose to Angels. Go figure.
Tonight's Action
LA Dodgers at Cincinnati Reds. Derek Lowe takes Hiroki Kuroda's spot as he faces Bronson Arroyo. 4:10 pm KCAL9, AM 790 KABC.
NY Mets at LA Angels. Oliver Perez goes to the hill against Jon Garland. 7:05 pm KCOP13, AM 830 KLAA.
AP Photo by Charles Krupa
