July 30, 2005
West Coast Roundup
It's happened. The Padres lost 8-3 to the Cincinnati Reds last night. They now lead the division, but are one-game under .500. Early in the season, the Padres banked on their starters going five decent innings, and the bullpen finishing the game. Now, the Padres are getting nothing from their starters. Lawrence gave up seven runs in 5 1/3 last night. The Reds had no problems with the dimensions of PETCO as Dunn hit two homers and Encarnacion added a solo shot.
The Dodgers and Giants both gained ground. The Giants came back from a 5-2 deficit, thanks to a sparkling job by the bullpen. Relievers went 5 1/3 innings, giving up just one run and striking out seven as San Francisco picked up a 7-6 victory over the Brewers.
The Giants are now just 5 1/2 games back of the Padres. The way this division is working out, a Barry Bonds return might actually help them. Maybe Barry can get a shot at the World Series this year after all.
The Dodgers are just four games behind San Diego now. The injuries don't seem to have hurt the Cardinals that much, as they scored five runs last night. But the Dodgers got to the seemingly invincible Matt Morris. The Cardinals tied the game at five in the sixth inning, but Morris gave up a walk, single and double in the seventh to plate two more for the Dodgers and seal the victory.