Adrian Gonzalez already has the Hollywood thing down with his flare for the dramatic. Gonzales, along with pitcher Josh Beckett, outfielder Carl Crawford (out for season due to Tommy John surgery), and infielder Nick Punto, were acquired by the Los Angeles Dodgers from the Boston Red Sox earlier in the day in a huge nine-player trade. In his first ever at-bat as a Dodger, Gonzalez hit a three-run home-run off of Miami Marlins' starting pitcher Josh Johnson. It would be a long night for Johnson and the struggling Marlins' with LA winning the game 8-2.
Reinvigorated by the pickup of four new players, the Dodger bats came alive tonight behind starter Clayton Kershaw. In another strong outing, Kershaw pitched eight-innings giving up only two runs on three hits with eight strikeouts, improving his record to 12-7 with a 2.84 ERA. In addition to Gonzalez, the tandem of Ethier and Kemp would provide the run-cushion for their starter. Andre Ethier went 4-for-4, driving in one-run and scoring-two. Matt Kemp was 3-for-5, bringing home one-run and scoring another.
The new-look Dodgers are hoping that this infusion of new talent is what will push the team over the San Francisco Giants and win the NL West.
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