Series 3 Recap: Dodgers vs. Rockies

Monday's game started on a high note-- The Dodgers Season Opener at Chavez Ravine, but ended on a low note. Jason Schmidt left the fifth with what originally looked liked a pulled hamstring and Matt Kemp came out the inning before with an injured right shoulder after running into the scoreboard attempting to make a play.

Neither of them look to be very serious, fortunately.

"It's OK. It's definitely not a hamstring pull," Schmidt said. "I just got dehydrated out there and got a little cramp in it."

"At first I thought it was worse than what it was," Kemp said. "It hurt really bad when I was walking off the field. I thought I was done. But everything will be all right."

This 6-3 loss could have been much worse.

Tuesday's game, after the Dodgers held a collective sigh of relief knowing the injuries weren't as serious as originally feared, got back to their winning ways. It should definitely be noted, that Brett Tomko was amazing on his first outing of 2007. He allowed just one hit, in six scoreless innings in his first start since June 2006.

As a regular critic of Tomko, whom I affectionately nicknamed Bombko for his tendency to Bomb out after a couple months, I feel it important to give him credit where credit is due.

I am still no where near ready to remove the monkier of Bombko from him, as his M.O. is to start strong then fade fast, and it is much too early to tell, but I am reluctantly optimistic.

The Dodgers took Tuesday's game 2-1.

Wednesday's game gave Brad Penny another chance to dominate the Rockies, beating them for the sixth consecutive time dating back to last season. In a show of his off-season weight loss he showed a new flash of athleticism, making a brilliant diving catch.

Penny started the game out slow. he retired the first batter he faced, then proceeded to give his critics some ammunition by walking the next three batters. When all appeared lost, he regained composure and struck out Matt Holliday on three straight pitches. He then retired Brad Hawpe on a fielders choice to third, getting out of the inning without giving up a run. It took him 24 pitches, but he made it.

Rockies pitcher, Jason Hirsch, who grew up in nearby Burbank and grew up a Dodgers fan, didn't go very well for him. Although he denies it, his head wasn't in the game-- his first start at the hallowed Chavez Ravine.

"It was everything it was cracked up to be," Hirsh said. "It was a thrill of a lifetime to be out there. I had a lot of family and friends here, screaming and hollering. It was enjoyable. I mean, obviously it was not the outcome I wanted, but it wasn't bad."

The fourth inning was especially horrendous for Hirsch. Russell Martin and Juan Pierre each singled with two out. Then, while Hirsh looked like President Bush when stumped, as he absent-mindedly gazed at the catcher for a sign, Martin and Pierre exectued a brilliant double steal. He kept his foot on the rubber and never even made a throw. Even Rockies catcher, Chris Ianetta jumping out of his crouch and pointing towards second base didn't take Hirsh out of his Bushism.

"That was the first time a runner had gotten to second base, so I really didn't even think about it," Hirsh said. " Chris told me to step off, and I thought maybe a beach ball had fallen onto the field because that's happened many times since we've been here. The next thing I know, both guys had moved. I wouldn't say I was rattled, but I was definitely surprised by it."

Nomar Garciaparra lined the next pitch to left field for a two-run single.

Before Hirsch could even make another pitch, he balked Nomar to second. Jeff Kent then singled home Garciaparra and the Dodgers took a 3-0 lead, in which they never looked back.

At the end of the series, the Dodgers remain just 1/2 game out of first place.