Game 160: Dodgers @ San Francisco Giants 4:3

This is why I love living in the Bay Area. I get to see stunning wins for the Dodgers in Phonebank Park in front of thousands of Giants fans. Them chanting "Beat LA, Beat LA" just to watch their little hearts break in anguish when they realize the Dodgers are the far superior team.

This team sure is about dramitic endings as of late. Friday nights game was no different.

Russell Martin scored the go-ahead run on Mike Stanton's wild pitch in the ninth inning after pinch-hitter Olmedo Saenz singled in the tying run, and the Dodgers beat the San Francisco 4-3 Friday night to tie San Diego for the NL West lead.

Last Sunday, it was a game-winning grand slam by Nomar Garciaparra. This time, a gutsy ninth-inning catch over a railing along the left-field line by third baseman Ramon Martinez.

J.D. Drew hit a two-run homer in the seventh for the Dodgers, who overcame a 3-0 deficit to win their fifth straight. Los Angeles and San Diego also share the wild-card lead, two games ahead of Philadelphia, and each team would clinch a playoff berth with one more win or a Phillies loss.

"Tonight definitely was a big win," Drew said. "We could have stayed
right where we were with San Diego and lost a game to the Phillies."

Los Angeles got a scare when Garciaparra came out of the game after re-injuring his left side on a swinging strikeout in the eighth. He could be seen hunched over in the dugout being attended to by the training staff. He was scheduled to be re-evaluated Saturday.

"He was in a lot of pain in the dugout," manager Grady Little said.
"That's about as much grimace as I've seen in his face."

Jonathan Broxton improved to 4-1, getting the final out of the eighth for the win. Takashi Saito pitched a shaky ninth for his 23rd save in 25 chances.

Steve Finley and Randy Winn singled with one out to put runners at the corners, and Omar Vizquel then fouled out to Martinez, who leaned way over the railing to make the catch. Pinch-hitter Mark Sweeney then took a called third strike, sending the Giants to their seventh loss in eight games.

After Jeff Kent's leadoff single, Drew struck out and Martin walked. Saenz was replaced by pinch-runner Delwyn Young and Julio Lugo grounded into a fielder's choice that moved Martin to third. He scored on a wild pitch moments later.

"Every night it's somebody different," Martinez said.
"That's what a championship team is made of."

Couldn't have said it better myself.

Little announced before the game that Derek Lowe would start Game 1 of the division series as long as he isn't needed to pitch in Sunday's season finale. Even if the Dodgers were to clinch the wild card in the next two days, Little said he would still hold out Lowe for the playoff opener rather than try to win the NL West.

"I'd go with Derek Lowe," Little said. "We're not going to be comfortable
until we're able to get the job done. When you have your fate
in your own hands, it makes it a lot easier."

Glad to hear it. There is no need to jeapordize our playoff chances trying to get a division crown. It is also nice to see that Little doesn;t seemed worried about the Mets.