Ryan Theriot went 0-for-4 in tonight’s game, although he nearly had an infield single in the sixth inning, but a terrific play by Giants’ pitcher Matt Cain retired him on a bang-bang play at first base. Replays showed a close play, but that Theriot was probably out, but Theriot want apoplectic after the play, using various words not fit for print yet clearly visible on the broadcast to amateur lip readers everywhere, yet he did not get ejected by first base umpire Marty Foster. Perhaps he realized Theriot was simply angry that his hitless streak has now reached 26 at-bats.
After the game, manager Joe Torre had nothing but praise for his starter. “[Chad] Billingsley I thought pitched a courageous game. He was terrific. Unfortunately we were short on the offensive side,” Torre said, “Right now, he’s the guy that we’re going to allow to decide the game. That’s how much we trust him. A soft single beat him, but it was another great game for him.”
The Dodgers have reached base just eight times in the first two games of this series.
The Dodgers have lost nine of 17 games with the Giants this season, with one more game remaining with San Francisco, tomorrow night. Ted Lilly and Jonathan Sanchez face off Thursday night in a battle of left-handers.
Speaking of southpaws, today is the 30th anniversary of Fernando Valenzuela’s major league debut, a milestone the Dodgers will celebrate with a pregame ceremony before Sunday’s game at Dodger Stadium against the Rockies.