Diamonds For Women

dodgerblue6 · Posted: Wed 3/29/23 9:40 pm Post subject: RAVIN' AT THE RAVINE! - 2023 EDITION

It all gets underway tomorrow night.
_________________
"The Dodgers have always occupied an enormous place in the history of the game. If the Yankees are the most successful team in baseball history, the Dodgers are the most essential. Their legacy is unique."

-Baseball Hall of Fame

sunnyblue · Posted: Thu 3/30/23 11:00 am Post subject:

Blue vibes to our team and El Culichi!

sunnyblue · Posted: Thu 3/30/23 1:02 pm Post subject:

Well, that didn't take long! We haven't even played the first game yet and rookie Ryan Pepiot is being placed on the IL. Michael Grove has been called up to replace him.

dodgerblue6 · Posted: Fri 3/31/23 10:03 am Post subject:

Dodgers win!--8-2.

More later. What'd you think, Sunny?
_________________
"The Dodgers have always occupied an enormous place in the history of the game. If the Yankees are the most successful team in baseball history, the Dodgers are the most essential. Their legacy is unique."

-Baseball Hall of Fame

sunnyblue · Posted: Sun 4/2/23 8:27 am Post subject:

Mostly good. I'll wait until you add updates from the last 2 games.

dodgerblue6 · Posted: Sun 4/2/23 12:48 pm Post subject:

Second game of the series, a Friday night match-up (one of only five games on the slate that night!): Dustin May pitched flawlessly for L.A., going seven scoreless innings, but Alex Vesia in relief took the loss, allowing the Diamondbacks to come from behind and win, 2-1. Mookie's solo shot in the seventh off Drey Jameson accounted for the Dodgers' measly offensive output after a barrage on Opening Day. Jameson also recorded the win, throwing four innings in relief of Diamondbacks starter Merrill Kelly following a short start.

In the third game, the Dodgers returned to form, winning, 10-1. Clayton's first start of the season was, well, vintage Clayton. The Dodgers knocked around MadBum for five runs in four innings, and CK's magnificent effort was backed by Trayce Thompson's three (!) home runs.
_________________
"The Dodgers have always occupied an enormous place in the history of the game. If the Yankees are the most successful team in baseball history, the Dodgers are the most essential. Their legacy is unique."

-Baseball Hall of Fame

sunnyblue · Posted: Mon 4/3/23 8:10 am Post subject:

Thoughts on the first series - super starting pitching. Offense is a bit schizo. A ton of runs on 2 nights and then only 1 run the other 2 games.

dodgerblue6 · Posted: Mon 4/3/23 11:15 pm Post subject:

To recap, the Dodgers and Diamondbacks split the four-game set, with Arizona winning the finale by a slim 2-1 margin. Thor put forth a great effort in his first start as a Dodger, allowing one run over six innings, before Bazooka was tagged with the loss in relief. For the Diamondbacks, Zach Davies started and combined with four relievers to limit the Dodgers to one run--Will Smith's first-inning solo shot.

Then the Rockies rolled into town and this brief two-game set got underway. L.A. starting pitcher Michael Grove didn't last too long in tonight's game, but the offense picked him up, and the Dodgers won, 13-4. Ryan Feltner started for the Rockies and took the loss. Everyone in the Dodgers' starting lineup had at least one, hit save for Mad Max.

Having gone one time through the rotation, I'm mostly pretty impressed thus far, especially since Grove is really like the sixth or seventh starter. Jason Heyward hit his first home run as a Dodger against the Rockies--many have wondered if he really deserved to make the Opening Day roster. A bigger sample size will obviously tell, but my prediction is he won't be there by the end of the season. Prove me wrong, dude.

CT3 and Will Smith also homered in this slugfest.
_________________
"The Dodgers have always occupied an enormous place in the history of the game. If the Yankees are the most successful team in baseball history, the Dodgers are the most essential. Their legacy is unique."

-Baseball Hall of Fame

dodgerblue6 · Posted: Wed 4/5/23 12:01 am Post subject:

El Culichi came through with another magnificent performance tonight, throwing six shutout innings, and the Dodgers won, 5-2. Will Smith, Jason Heyward and Mad Max all homered for L.A.; German Marquez started for Colorado and was charged with the loss.
_________________
"The Dodgers have always occupied an enormous place in the history of the game. If the Yankees are the most successful team in baseball history, the Dodgers are the most essential. Their legacy is unique."

-Baseball Hall of Fame

dodgerblue6 · Posted: Fri 4/7/23 12:35 pm Post subject:

First road trip of the season is off to a good start, with Chase Field as the first destination. In his second strong start, Dustin May allowed one run over six innings, Dodgers won 5-2, beating Diamondbacks starter Merrill Kelly in a rematch of last weekend's game in L.A.--but with better results. Smile

_________________
"The Dodgers have always occupied an enormous place in the history of the game. If the Yankees are the most successful team in baseball history, the Dodgers are the most essential. Their legacy is unique."

-Baseball Hall of Fame

sunnyblue · Posted: Sun 4/9/23 9:57 pm Post subject:

I am not happy with the Dodgers' results this weekend! They were outplayed in many ways, and now they go to San Francisco. I will wait for you to write about it (DB) but I'm sure you must share the same thoughts! Mad

dodgerblue6 · Posted: Tue 4/11/23 9:11 am Post subject:

Ugh. I really didn't want to write about three consecutive games in which they were thoroughly outplayed. The Diamondbacks were so much more aggressive in every way that they're now 5-3 on the season against the Dodgers--and by the end of this past weekend, the Dodgers had played nine of their 11 games this season all against Arizona!

But since you brought it up--following the first game victory, the Dodgers fell, 6-3, with Clayton allowing four runs in six innings and taking the loss. For Arizona, MadBum pitched only slightly better than he had last weekend, but Drey Jameson notched the win again in relief.

The third and fourth games were much more horrifying, with L.A. losing, 12-8 and 11-6. Michael Grove gave up nine runs in three innings in the finale, following Thor's disaster of a start (eight runs in four innings). Ryne Nelson beat Grove, and Kyle Nelson got the win in relief for Zach Davies over Thor. The Dodgers certainly showed some offensive activity, scoring 14 runs in those two losses, but it's not often you can say that's not enough.

Much better results in S.F. last night. MadMax is back in a stadium where he thrives. Smile

--3-for-3 with two home runs and seven RBI! Fine start for El Culichi, who moves to 3-0, allowing one run over six innings. The Dodgers knocked Logan Webb around for the L, and cruised to a 9-1 victory.
_________________
"The Dodgers have always occupied an enormous place in the history of the game. If the Yankees are the most successful team in baseball history, the Dodgers are the most essential. Their legacy is unique."

-Baseball Hall of Fame

dodgerblue6 · Posted: Thu 4/13/23 9:28 am Post subject:

The second game against the Water Hoarders at Oracle Park resulted in a shutout loss, 5-0, for L.A. Not quite a quality start, but again, it was a fine effort for Dustin--two runs over 5 1/3 innings--but he got no support from either his lineup or the bullpen, as Evan Phillips allowed three more to the Jints. Doc took some flak for not starting MadMax after his hot night, but it was a predetermined "day off" for the sake of his health that kept him out of the lineup.

But then came the rubber game. And public enemies No. 1 & 2 in San Francisco, for several years running, are Clayton and MadMax. Together, they pulled one off last night as the Dodgers won, 10-5, with Clayton notching the win. Max hit 2-for-5 with two more home runs, complemented by Trayce's two-run shot.

Alex Cobb started for S.F., but Taylor Rogers took the loss in relief.

The Dodgers now return home to host the Cubs and Mets.
_________________
"The Dodgers have always occupied an enormous place in the history of the game. If the Yankees are the most successful team in baseball history, the Dodgers are the most essential. Their legacy is unique."

-Baseball Hall of Fame

dodgerblue6 · Posted: Sat 4/15/23 1:06 pm Post subject:

Not a good start to the homestand. Thor had a good start, but the Cubs blew up the Dodgers' bullpen and won, 8-2.
_________________
"The Dodgers have always occupied an enormous place in the history of the game. If the Yankees are the most successful team in baseball history, the Dodgers are the most essential. Their legacy is unique."

-Baseball Hall of Fame

dodgerblue6 · Posted: Mon 4/17/23 5:50 pm Post subject:

Well, the Dodgers lost the series to the Cubs, winning only the middle game, and now welcome the Mets to Dodger Stadium.
_________________
"The Dodgers have always occupied an enormous place in the history of the game. If the Yankees are the most successful team in baseball history, the Dodgers are the most essential. Their legacy is unique."

-Baseball Hall of Fame

dodgerblue6 · Posted: Wed 4/19/23 10:41 am Post subject:

What a difference 24 hours makes! I was put off by the Dodgers' poor play in their series opener against the Mets on Monday night.

Then came yesterday's game, which I attended.

And that in itself is an emotional story.
_________________
"The Dodgers have always occupied an enormous place in the history of the game. If the Yankees are the most successful team in baseball history, the Dodgers are the most essential. Their legacy is unique."

-Baseball Hall of Fame

sunnyblue · Posted: Thu 4/20/23 9:22 am Post subject:

I'm happy for you that you were there! We watched on TV and it was still exciting to see.

I can't figure out why the Dodgers are off one day, on the next, and it keeps repeating.

dodgerblue6 · Posted: Thu 4/20/23 4:09 pm Post subject:

That's something that has all of us bewildered!

The Mets ended up taking the series with a 5-3 win yesterday, wrapping up the homestand. Thor threw six strong innings for the Dodgers while allowing two runs, but the bullpen blew it again. AV and Yency seem so unreliable now, and both have acknowledged having a hard time adjusting to the pitch clock. A side story in this game was Mets starting pitcher Max Scherzer getting ejected in the fourth inning for "sticky stuff"--which I'll post a bit more about in the thread about that topic.

A four-game series in Chicago begins tonight, just a week after the Dodgers played the Cubs in L.A. Time for a little payback.
_________________
"The Dodgers have always occupied an enormous place in the history of the game. If the Yankees are the most successful team in baseball history, the Dodgers are the most essential. Their legacy is unique."

-Baseball Hall of Fame

dodgerblue6 · Posted: Thu 4/20/23 10:41 pm Post subject:

True to form and right on schedule, the Dodgers followed yesterday's home loss with a road win today at Wrigley Field. And what a game!

First, Mookie returned from paternity leave, getting to the clubhouse in the first inning and just in time for reliever Evan Phillips to take his place on the PL. As expected, he took over later in the game at shortstop after pinch-hitting in the seventh--and he looked pretty good. (Surprisingly, we don't know much about the second Betts baby--just that he's a boy, their first son, and was born yesterday. Congratulations to Mookie and Brianna.)

Michael Grove started for the Dodgers but only lasted three innings before coming out due to a groin strain. Fortunately, L.A.'s bullpen came through for a change, with a succession of five relievers holding the Cubs scoreless. The Cubs countered with rookie Javier Assad, TJ native whom we last saw pitching for Team Mexico in the WBC, who had been called up for a spot start tonight. Solo shots off the bats of Mad Max and James Outman--dubbed "Tarzan" by Miguel Vargas--brought in two runs charged to Assad, while Grove allowed a solo shot to Belli (who else!) among the two runs he surrendered.

But the game was decided in the top of the ninth, when Outman came up with the bases loaded and blasted a grand slam off Cubs reliever Michael Fulmer to put the Dodgers up, 6-2. And that was the final score, with Caleb Ferguson getting the win in relief.

It was definitely a shot in the arm, but who knows what we'll see tomorrow in a day game!
_________________
"The Dodgers have always occupied an enormous place in the history of the game. If the Yankees are the most successful team in baseball history, the Dodgers are the most essential. Their legacy is unique."

-Baseball Hall of Fame

sunnyblue · Posted: Fri 4/21/23 8:09 am Post subject:

I'm glad Doc moved him up to leadoff. He's been thriving there. Of course now that Mookie's back we'll see what happens.

sunnyblue · Posted: Fri 4/21/23 3:04 pm Post subject:

It's a good thing I responded to your positive post earlier today, DB. Now I want to know what the hell was that abomination we saw at Wrigley Field today? The Dodgers stay true to form - they cannot win 2 games in a row - but the way they got blown out was mighty embarrassing. I'll wait to read your report - if you want to write one, that is! Mad

dodgerblue6 · Posted: Fri 4/21/23 5:01 pm Post subject:

Yeah, there are days when you can be so happy you went into work instead of staying home and watching baseball!

How this abomination of a game had so many components to it--the rout, the domination of the Dodgers' bats, the perfect game being broken up by-- Exclamation

--an infield dribbler.

The final score was 13-0, El Culichi was knocked around early and took the loss; Cody excelled against his former team again, and Cubs starter Drew Smyly was in a groove for 21 outs until David Peralta bounced one up the middle and became the Dodgers' first baserunner of the game. Even Luke Williams got in an inning on the mound for L.A., which was cleaner than most of the visiting pitchers had.

Mercifully, it ended.

Turn the page.
_________________
"The Dodgers have always occupied an enormous place in the history of the game. If the Yankees are the most successful team in baseball history, the Dodgers are the most essential. Their legacy is unique."

-Baseball Hall of Fame

sunnyblue · Posted: Sat 4/22/23 10:17 am Post subject:

I hope the players can't wait to get out there today and erase the memories of yesterday. I think Dustin will be anxious to get his last start out of his mind too. I look for a big game from him.

dodgerblue6 · Posted: Sat 4/22/23 2:47 pm Post subject:

Just what they needed--a 9-4 win. A decent, not great start, from MayDay who struggled a bit early on but got the win. The Dodgers offense picked things up and got hot despite the chilly weather at Wrigley Field (41 deg. at game time). MadMax (two HRs) and Tarzan (4-for-5, 2 HRs) led the way! AV even had a decent relief stint although he wasn't getting a lot of calls--but still delivered. Cubs starting pitcher Hayden Wesneski took the loss.

Oh, and Dodger pitching finally held Cody hitless! Exclamation

One important note, after having gone 0-5 so far this season in games with daytime starts, that streak was finally broken with this game--and tomorrow's is another day game. That's when Clayton will take the mound for the series finale.
_________________
"The Dodgers have always occupied an enormous place in the history of the game. If the Yankees are the most successful team in baseball history, the Dodgers are the most essential. Their legacy is unique."

-Baseball Hall of Fame

dodgerblue6 · Posted: Sun 4/23/23 10:15 pm Post subject:

Well, that series really turned around! Stop the presses, the Dodgers have won two games in a row for only the second time this season! Maybe it's safe to proclaim that MadMax is back, even beyond routing the Jints two weeks ago. Evidently he's changed his stance at the plate and that's made a world of difference. And with 11 HR to date, he's leading the NL in round-trippers. Of note during this afternoon's broadcast was that Max didn't hit his 11th home run last year until...August.

Today's game featured another quality start by Clayton, who notched win #201 of his magnificent career, as the Dodgers prevailed, 7-3. On yet another 42 degree day, Cubs starter Marcus Stroman allowed five runs over five innings pitched and took the loss. Besides Max, Mookie and J.D. homered to power the Dodgers up.

And they now head for Pittsburgh, where the surprising Pirates--16-7 at this writing, atop the NL Central--await.

L.A. moved into a first-place tie with the Diamondbacks in the West, but the Padres are just half-game behind.
_________________
"The Dodgers have always occupied an enormous place in the history of the game. If the Yankees are the most successful team in baseball history, the Dodgers are the most essential. Their legacy is unique."

-Baseball Hall of Fame

sunnyblue · Posted: Mon 4/24/23 3:08 pm Post subject:

I just learned Mad Max is taking paternity leave! I didn't realize that was coming up like it had been with Mookie. With 3 of our players having new kids in just over a week, playing the hot Pirates might not look promising.

dodgerblue6 · Posted: Mon 4/24/23 5:00 pm Post subject:

Obviously there was a lot of "ravin' at the ravine" going on last summer.

As most recall, the All-Star Game was played at Dodger Stadium last July. How is it that nine months to the very week later, four Dodgers are on the paternity list within a week of each other, and that doesn't even take into account the fact that ex-Dodger Cody and his girlfriend are also expecting momentarily. Sheesh! Lots of action during that break. Laughing

Other than Mookie and MadMax, Bazooka has currently left the team for this purpose, and Evan Phillips is scheduled to return for the Pirates series.

From the L.A. Times:

The Dodgers’ paternity parade will continue this week.

Max Muncy and Brusdar Graterol will both be placed on the paternity list before Tuesday’s series opener against the Pittsburgh Pirates, according to people with knowledge of the situation not authorized to discuss it publicly. The moves will come after the Dodgers placed Mookie Betts and Evan Phillips on the paternity list over the last week.

Players can spend up to three days on the paternity list, meaning there’s a chance the Dodgers will be without both players for the duration of the three-game series against the Pirates, who have won seven straight games and are off to a surprising 16-7 start.
_________________
"The Dodgers have always occupied an enormous place in the history of the game. If the Yankees are the most successful team in baseball history, the Dodgers are the most essential. Their legacy is unique."

-Baseball Hall of Fame

forloveofthegame · Joined: 23 Oct 2009 Posts: 7346 Location: San Diego

Well I guess they do not all play the same "positions" - Lol. That is funny, though.
_________________
"Baseball is an allegorical play about America, a poetic, complex, and subtle play of courage, fear, good luck, mistakes, patience about fate, and sober self-esteem." - Saul Steinberg

dodgerblue6 · Posted: Tue 4/25/23 9:18 pm Post subject:

Well, it wasn't a good start for Thor--he was out before the fifth inning--and the Dodgers trailed, 7-2, when he left the game. But miraculously, they mounted a late-inning attack and came from behind to win the game, 8-7, on CT3's three-run shot in the eighth off Pirates reliever Colin Holderman. This happened just a couple of innings after Mookie's would-be three-run shot was robbed at the fence by Pirates left fielder Jack Suwinski.

And how about that Michael Busch! Just called up and made his debut as DH, so check the Milestones thread. Smile

Pittsburgh starting pitcher Johan Oviedo allowed four runs in five-plus innings, and Holderman took the loss for the Bucs. Yency Almonte got the win in relief.

Last, Shelby Miller notched his first save as a Dodger. I still sometimes can't believe I'm watching him pitch for this team. But so far, so good.
_________________
"The Dodgers have always occupied an enormous place in the history of the game. If the Yankees are the most successful team in baseball history, the Dodgers are the most essential. Their legacy is unique."

-Baseball Hall of Fame

sunnyblue · Posted: Wed 4/26/23 5:27 am Post subject:

I get very annoyed when pitchers won't hold runners on. I don't see Thor staying in the rotation if he can't do that. They may need to move him to the bullpen now that El Gato is back.