Dodgers

The Dodgers erased an early 2-0 Astros lead en route to a thrilling and ugly 4-2 victory at Kyle Chapman field on Thursday night. How ugly? How about 8 walks-- by the winning pitcher. How ugly? How about three errors-- by the winning defense. How ugly? How about seven out of 12 outs by strikeout-- by the winning offense. We're talking ugly here. How ugly? If you look in the dictionary under ugly, you'll find the boxscore from this game. But a win is a win, and on to how it occurred. In the top of the 1st inning, Dodger pitcher, Jared Rothenberg started things off right by striking out the Astros leadoff batter. Unfortunately, he then proceeded to walk the Astros' 2-3-4 hitters, resulting in an unearned run scoring on a fielders choice. The inning came to an abrupt ending when Jarrett Higgins (remember that name), snared a hard hit line drive by Colin Bear in center field to end the Astros first inning uprising with a lone run on the scoreboard. In the bottom of the 1st, starter Colin Bear set down the Dodgers 1-2-3 on a strikeout, an infield flyout and another strikeout. End of 1, Astros 1, Dodgers 0. In the top of the 2nd, Rothenberg dug himself into another hole, walking two Astros batters. Fortunately, he dug himself out with a swinging strikeout, a called strike 3, and a soft groundout from pitcher to first. Middle of 2, Astros 1, Dodgers 0. In the bottom of the 2nd, Jared Rothenberg walked on a 3-1 pitch after a leadoff strikeout, then stole second base. Just when it looked like the Dodgers might push across the tying run, Rothenberg was caught stealing on a nice throw by the Astros catcher. That running faux pas proved to be costly as Brian Baumgarten followed with a single to third base and made it all the way to third on an infield error. Colin Bear struck out the next batter to end the inning. End of 2, Astros 1, Dodgers 0. In the top of the third, the Astros doubled their lead. The leadoff batter popped out to the pitcher. The next batter walked on 5 pitches. The next batter struck out but reached first base. Colin Bear singled to right to drive in the Astros' second run of the night, and made it runners at 1st and 2nd. Rothenberg induced a ground ball forceout at third to make it 2 outs. Rothenberg struck out the next batter, who reached first base anyway to load the bases. Rothenberg then struck out the final Astros batter to keep the score Astros 2, Dodgers 0 in the middle of the third inning. In the bottom of the third, Andre Oliver reached first base on a strikeout, was balked to second, wild pitched to third, and scored when the Astros catcher dropped a third strike, threw to first for the out, but Oliver scored just ahead of the tag. A groundout to second ended the inning with the score Astros 2, Dodgers 1. In the top of the 4th, Rothenberg walked the leadoff batter on a 3-2 pitch, then struck out the next batter. Ross Chan walked to make it 1st and 2nd for the Astros with only 1 out. Grant Haynes launched a Jared Rothenberg fastball into deep centerfield on a hard line drive. Jarrett Higgins (there he is again) squared himself, made the catch, and fired to Matt Kelly at second base to complete the double play. A crucial defensive play by an excellent defensive player. Middle of 4, Astros 2, Dodgers 1. In the bottom of the 4th inning, the Astros pitcher began to tire. After leadoff walks to Jeremy Schaffer and Andrew Jones, Jared Rothenberg worked a 2-1 count. The next pitch was a ball and got away from the Astros catcher. Jones and Schaffer went to second and third base, respectively. Dodgers fans anticipated that with a 3-1 count to Rothenberg and first base open, the Astros might intentionally walk him to set up a force at home. But it was not to be. Rothenberg turned on a 3-1 fastball and launched it past a leaping Grant Haynes to left centerfield for a 2 run double. After a pitching change, Rothenberg advanced to third on a wild pitch and scored on another. A strikeout, a walk to Matt Kelly, a flyout to right and a James Thoreen HBP ended the game as time expired. Final score - Dodgers 4, Astros 2. Congratulations to the Dodgers on managing to win even though they played uglyball. Congratulations to the Astros on an exciting, hard fought battle down to the final minute. The one thing that both these teams can count on is several more exciting battles throughout the 2004 spring season. The Dodgers next practice is Friday, March 26, 2004, at 5:30pm at the Sportshouse on Hillcroft just south of South Braeswood. The Dodgers next game is Saturday, March 27, 2004, at 7pm against the Cardinals. Remember that pictures are at 9am sharp on Saturday morning (come looking real purty), and opening ceremonies are at 4pm on Saturday afternoon (come whether your purty or not). See you at the ballpark.