Game 114: Dodgers vs. Colorado Rockies 1:3

Well, the streak had to come to an end sooner or later. In a way, it may be better that the streak ended at eleven. The last team to have an eight game losing streak and a twelve game win streak in the same season was the Chicago Cubs. With this cursed history, we all know how that went. The Rockies' victory was only their third in 12 games against the Dodgers this season, so Colorado manager Clint Hurdle said it was special in several ways.

"For us, the Dodgers are a team our organization needs to
beat and play better against," he said. "It was a
significant step for our ballclub to beat a good pitcher
in a big ballgame. "They're as hot as they can be,

and for us to do it late was good for us."

Hawpe was pleased to come up with the key hit and said he always enjoys playing the Dodgers, streak or no streak.

"The Dodgers are a fun team for me and the rest of the team to
play against because they're a quality team
and they're real competitive," Hawpe said.

Dodgers manager Grady Little took the defeat in stride.

"There is no doubt in my mind we will be out there tomorrow

to start a new streak," he said.

Dodgers starter Derek Lowe fell to 9-8 on the season. He gave up three runs and six hits in 8 2-3 innings. He struck out six and walked none. The loss cost the Dodgers a chance to take over first place in the NL West. San Diego lost 4-3 to the New York Mets, but maintained a half-game lead.

With Jeff Francis holding the Dodgers' offense in check, Lowe tied the score at 1 with a bases-loaded sacrifice fly in the fifth inning. Francis cut down a runner at the plate in the fourth, throwing out Julio Lugo as he attempted to steal home.

Some thoughts:

1) Why was Lowe taken out? After such a great game, it should have been his game to finish. Granted he had thrown over 100 pitches, but just one out away. And if not Lowe, why put Saito in? Saito is used to the closers role and it is a whole different game to a closer in a different role.

2) It appears that even a newly activated from the DL Nomar Garciaparra is still considered a threat at the plate. He was walked twice, once intentionally.