Dodgers Take Title!

The Los Angeles Dodgers won their first Millennium League Championship by defeating the Arizona Diamondbacks in five games:

 

Game 1 -  LAD 5 ARI 0 

Daniel Hudson pitched 4 strong innings as the Los Angeles Dodgers topped the Arizona Diamondbacks by a score of 5 to 0 at Dodger Stadium. 

Arizona found themselves trailing quickly as the Los Angeles bats came through in the first inning plating an isolated run using 2 hits.  The pitchers took over after the 4th inning as neither team was able to score again.   

Brandon Lyon (1-2) picked up the victory, allowing no runs in 2 innings. Jered Weaver (3-2) took the loss.  He was touched for 3 homeruns in his 4 innings of work. 

What the Game Story doesn’t tell you….

Déjà vu for LAD as they win by shutout in game 1 just like in the last series.

 

Game 2 - LAD 2 ARN 1 

Catcher Geovany Soto cracked a homer at Dodger Stadium where the Los Angeles Dodgers beat the Arizona Diamondbacks by the score of 2 to 1. 

Los Angeles scored the deciding run in the 8th inning.  Chase Utley delivered a base-hit.  After another out, Andres Torres struck out, unable to help the rally.  Matt Joyce then was walked intentionally.  Jamey Carroll came up and he singled.  Carroll took second on the throw.  Santiago Casilla was great in relief and recorded his 1st save. 

Neftali Feliz (2-0) was the winner allowing no runs in 1 inning. Joel Peralta (0-1) was charged with the loss in relief.  He pitched 2/3 of an inning and surrendered 1 hit and no walks. 

What the Game Story doesn’t tell you….

Aggressive running for ARN did not pay off. Victorino gunned on a 1-19 steal and a 1-14 out at 3^rd on a fly shut down ARN.  LAD with some great managing gets a run in bottom 8 to win

 

Game 3 - LAD 9 ARN 8

Neftali Feliz closed the door on Arizona and third baseman Jamey Carroll had 2 base hits at PNC Park where the Los Angeles Dodgers beat the Arizona Diamondbacks 9 to 8. 

Los Angeles won the game with a rally in the 8th inning when they tallied 4 runs on 4 hits.  The key offensive moment was provided by John Jaso who helped quiet the crowd when he smacked a single which was good for two runs. For the game Los Angeles out-hit Arizona 12 to 7.   

Sergio Romo (1-0) got the win allowing no runs in 1 inning. Feliz earned his 2nd save.  Jose Valverde (0-1) was hit with the loss in relief.  He saw his ERA jump from 2.45 to 5.87 as gave up 3 runs in 1/3 of an inning.   

What the Game Story doesn’t tell you….

ARN had an 8-1 lead after 5 but couldn’t hold down LAD. Every move worked for him and didn’t for ARN. 

 

GAME 4 - ARI 5 LAD 1

Martin Prado hit 2 doubles and had 2 RBI and Jered Weaver tossed a complete game as the Arizona Diamondbacks topped the Los Angeles Dodgers by a score of 5 to 1 at PNC Park. 

Los Angeles found themselves trailing quickly as the Arizona bats came through in the first inning when they scored 2 runs on 3 hits.  The early run support proved sufficient for Weaver (4-2) and Arizona.  That was all the run support Weaver required.  Arizona rapped out 10 hits for the night.   

Tim Stauffer (1-1) ended up with the loss.  He pitched 6 innings allowing 8 hits and 1 walk. 

What the Game Story doesn’t tell you….

Not much

 

Game 5 - LAD 5 ARI 2

In a good matchup it was the Los Angeles Dodgers 5, the Arizona Diamondbacks 2 at PNC Park. 

Los Angeles came up with 3 runs in the top of the 5th inning with the help of 3 hits.  After two were out Geovany Soto initiated the scoring spurt when he lashed a single.  Jamey Carroll followed next and he drew a walk.  Miguel Cabrera then doubled.  Chase Utley followed and he drew a walk.  Cody Ross came up to bat and doubled.  Arizona threatened in the 9th but their rally came up short.   

Daniel Hudson (2-0) went 5 innings allowing no runs for the victory.  Dennys Reyes gained credit for his 2nd save.  The loss was charged to Barry Zito (2-1).  He surrendered 3 runs in 5 innings and saw his ERA increase from 1.76 to 2.66.   

What the Game Story doesn’t tell you….

Arizona had a chance to win in 9^th but couldn’t do it.   

Stats
BA:  LAD .267, ARI .184
ERA: LAD 2.87, ARI 4.60
LOB: LAD 36, ARI 22
HR: LAD 4, ARI 1