 |
Reporting from San Diego — Ted Lilly gave up one run too many Wednesday: One.
Lilly might have been facing a San Diego Padres lineup that might be the worst in the major leagues, but opposing starter Tim Stauffer was pitching against a Dodgers team that isn't significantly better.
As a result, the sixth-inning home run Lilly served up to Jason Bartlett was enough to condemn the left-hander to his 11th defeat.
The Dodgers lost, 3-0, as relievers Matt Guerrier and Blake Hawksworth each gave up a run.
"We've played this game before," Manager Don Mattingly said, referring to the Dodgers' lack of run production.
The Dodgers had their best chance to score in the seventh inning, which they entered trailing, 1-0.
Dioner Navarro and Tony Gwynn Jr. led off with singles. Jamey Carroll bunted Gwynn and Navarro to second and third, respectively.
Left-handed James Loney pinch-hit for Lilly, setting up an at-bat against the right-handed Stauffer, but Manager Bud Black summoned left-hander Josh Spence out of the bullpen.
Mattingly was forced to pull Loney back to the bench, sending Casey Blake to hit in Loney's place. Spence walked Blake intentionally to load the bases.
But Dee Gordon lined out to Spence and Aaron Miles struck out looking on a full-count pitch that appeared high.
Mattingly said he didn't regret burning an out by having Carroll bunt.
He pointed to how a single would have put the Dodgers ahead. And with the infield playing back, Mattingly said he figured the Padres couldn't have turned a double play with the speedy Gordon at the plate.
So long as Gordon hit the ball on the ground, the Dodgers would have tied the score.
"He hits it back to the pitcher there," Mattingly said, sighing.
Kershaw gets rest
Even with Rubby De La Rosa injured and the Dodgers scheduled for a day off Thursday, Mattingly said Clayton Kershaw will get an extra day of rest before his next start.
Kershaw could have pitched on four days' rest Saturday in Arizona. He is scheduled to pitch Sunday against the Diamondbacks.
Mattingly has been conscientious about giving his starting pitchers extra days off whenever possible.
"You have to protect these guys," Mattingly said. "I don't want to be a guy that's blowing arms out all over the place."
The Dodgers could call up hard-throwing 21-year-old Nate Eovaldi from double-A Chattanooga to start Saturday and take what used to be De La Rosa's turn in the rotation.
Another option would be to start John Ely, who was recalled from triple-A Albuquerque and is in the bullpen.
Etc.
Kershaw was selected the National League pitcher of the month for July. He was 4-1 with a 2.02 earned-run average in the month. … De La Rosa's Tommy John surgery is scheduled for Tuesday. The operation will be performed by Dr. James Andrews.
dylan.hernandez@latimes.com
Lilly might have been facing a San Diego Padres lineup that might be the worst in the major leagues, but opposing starter Tim Stauffer was pitching against a Dodgers team that isn't significantly better.
As a result, the sixth-inning home run Lilly served up to Jason Bartlett was enough to condemn the left-hander to his 11th defeat.
The Dodgers lost, 3-0, as relievers Matt Guerrier and Blake Hawksworth each gave up a run.
"We've played this game before," Manager Don Mattingly said, referring to the Dodgers' lack of run production.
The Dodgers had their best chance to score in the seventh inning, which they entered trailing, 1-0.
Dioner Navarro and Tony Gwynn Jr. led off with singles. Jamey Carroll bunted Gwynn and Navarro to second and third, respectively.
Left-handed James Loney pinch-hit for Lilly, setting up an at-bat against the right-handed Stauffer, but Manager Bud Black summoned left-hander Josh Spence out of the bullpen.
Mattingly was forced to pull Loney back to the bench, sending Casey Blake to hit in Loney's place. Spence walked Blake intentionally to load the bases.
But Dee Gordon lined out to Spence and Aaron Miles struck out looking on a full-count pitch that appeared high.
Mattingly said he didn't regret burning an out by having Carroll bunt.
He pointed to how a single would have put the Dodgers ahead. And with the infield playing back, Mattingly said he figured the Padres couldn't have turned a double play with the speedy Gordon at the plate.
So long as Gordon hit the ball on the ground, the Dodgers would have tied the score.
"He hits it back to the pitcher there," Mattingly said, sighing.
Kershaw gets rest
Even with Rubby De La Rosa injured and the Dodgers scheduled for a day off Thursday, Mattingly said Clayton Kershaw will get an extra day of rest before his next start.
Kershaw could have pitched on four days' rest Saturday in Arizona. He is scheduled to pitch Sunday against the Diamondbacks.
Mattingly has been conscientious about giving his starting pitchers extra days off whenever possible.
"You have to protect these guys," Mattingly said. "I don't want to be a guy that's blowing arms out all over the place."
The Dodgers could call up hard-throwing 21-year-old Nate Eovaldi from double-A Chattanooga to start Saturday and take what used to be De La Rosa's turn in the rotation.
Another option would be to start John Ely, who was recalled from triple-A Albuquerque and is in the bullpen.
Etc.
Kershaw was selected the National League pitcher of the month for July. He was 4-1 with a 2.02 earned-run average in the month. … De La Rosa's Tommy John surgery is scheduled for Tuesday. The operation will be performed by Dr. James Andrews.
dylan.hernandez@latimes.com
