April 2011
First Two Giants Series May Predict Season Series
If the first two Giants series’ of the season are any indicator it’s that these two teams are going to play each other tough all year long.
- March 31 – Dodgers won 2-1
- April 1 – Dodgers won 4-3
- April 2 – Dodgers lose 0-10
- April 3 – Dodgers win 7-5
- April 11 – Dodgers win 6-1
- April 12 – Dodgers lose 4-5
- April 13 – Dodgers lose 3-4
In the first 7 games there have been 4 games decided by 1 run and a 5th decided by 2 runs. The Dodgers were blown out 0-10 once and the Giants shut down 6-1 another.
In 1 run games miscues and errors can play a very important role. Aggressive base running is also important. In the first series these two things worked to the Dodgers advantage. In the second series the Dodgers weren’t quite as aggressive and the Giants weren’t making as many mistakes.
The last 2 seasons the Dodgers dominated the Giants early on in the year. Last year the Giants got the better of the Dodgers in the second half though. It’s always pretty exciting for the fans and the rivalry when these two teams keep their games close. After the first 7 games against each other the Dodgers and Giants sit tied in the division with 6 wins and 6 losses overall.
Broxton’s Early Success Has Not Come Easy
Broxton has recorded 5 saves in 5 opportunities to capture all 5 Dodger wins this year. His 5th save last night was special in that it was his 2nd save of that day. So far Broxton has gotten the job done but only once did he retire the side without complications.
Broxton has so far been asked to record 13 outs but has faced 18 batters to do so. He’s allowed 2 runs to score on 2 home runs but neither one mattered except to the critics. Overall he’s allowed 4 hits, walked 4 and has just 1 strikeout.
Save 1 – March 31, 2011 – @LAD: 9th inning, 0 out, No base runners
- Buster Posey – 2 pitches – Ground out
- Pat Burrell – 4 pitches- Home run
- Miguel Tejada – 3 pitches – Ground out
- Brandon Belt – 8 pitches – Lined out, 3rd out
Average Speed: Speed: 94.06 MPH, Max: 99 MPH, Min: 89 MPH
Save 2 – April 1, 2011 – @LAD: 9th inning, 0 out, No base runners
- Mark DeRosa – 3 pitches – Strikeout
- Andres Torres – 2 pitches – Fly out
- Freddy Sanchez – 4 pitches Pop out, 3rd out
Average Speed: Speed: 92.17 MPH, Max: 96 MPH, Min: 89 MPH
Save 3 – April 3, 2011 – @LAD: 9th inning, 0 out, No base runners
- Aaron Rowand – 5 pitches – Home run
- Andres Torres – 6 pitches – Ground out
- Freddy Sanchez – 4 pitches – Single to Ethier
- Aubrey Huff – 1 pitch – Ground out
- Buster Posey – 3 pitches – Ground out, 3rd out
Average Speed: 94.00 MPH, Max: 96 MPH, Min: 87 MPH
Save 4 – April 9, 2011 – @SD: 11th inning, 0 out, No base runners
- Nick Hundley – 5 pitches – Single to Gwinn
- Chris Denorfia – 4 pitches – Grounds into double play
- Will Venable – 4 pitches – Walk
- Jason Bartlett – 3 pitches – Ground out, 3rd out
Average Speed: 93.25 MPH, Max: 96 MPH, Min: 86 MPH
Save 5 – April 9, 2011 – @SD: 9th inning, 2 out, Runner on 1st and 2nd
- Chris Denorfia – 7 pitches – Walk to load bases
- Cameron Maybin – 4 pitches – Fielders Choice, 3rd out
Average Speed: 93.36 MPH, Max: 96 MPH, Min: 87 MPH
This is not the kind of success that will silence his doubters but it’s at least not failure and I think the fan base is still holding it’s collective breath. I’ve always believed Broxton should be the closer but I can’t deny being nervous when I see him brought in like last night with runners on base even with 2 outs.
Hopefully Broxton’s success will continue but with a lot more strikeouts than walks. It would also make me feel better if the Dodgers didn’t need him to close every game they win. Blame the offense for that.
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