If you look back at the NLDS Game 1, it was an ugly, long game that somehow turned in the Dodgers' favor. Ugly but the bright spots were valuable.
Matt Kemp? 1-5, only hit was a two-run blast in the first inning that gave the Dodgers the lead they never relinquished.
Randy Wolf? Didn't get out of the 4th inning after being the Dodgers' best pitcher over the 2nd half.
A combined 52 men left on base? Way more than any of the other games Thursday combined. It was uuuuuuuugly (c) hyenas from Lion King.
Only consistent bright spot was Rafael Furcal (3 hits and a Run). Everytime he plays well, the Dodgers get the W because he sets the tone at the plate. But this game was about the brilliance of Joe Torre picking his spots and the Dodger bullpen giving up 5 hits in 5 1/3 innings
It was about a simple game plan - play by the moment and go on instinct. Make the Cardinals beat you without Albert Pujols by walking him twice. Bring in Jeff Weaver to get out of a bases-loaded jam? Strange but Weaver did just that. Torre's skill won this game just as much as the bullpen and timely hitting.
On Facebook, a friend's status was telling. It's the first time the Dodgers have won games in back-to-back postseasons since doing it in 1985 and 1988. Getting wins in the postseason are no longer cause for celebration like we did in 2004, we're here and it's time to get to business.
The Lakers started their preseason tonight with the biggest story being Shannon Brown's tea party on Mikki Moore. But as much as I love my Lakers, it's time to focus on getting a World Series back here. Tonight was the first step and although it was hard to watch, it ended the way Dodgers fans liked.
By the way, watching them win the NL West on Saturday at the Stadium? Priceless!
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