The Dodgers picked up six hits and six walks off Livan Hernandez in the first six innings Tuesday night, but scored just one run:
That’s for certain. Load the bases, and the pressure is on the pitcher. Load them up, and there is no place to put the next hitter. Except, in the case of the Dodgers, back to the dugout with a frown.
Their batting average with the bases loaded is .067 this season after Juan Pierre flied out to left field to end the sixth inning, stranding three runners and leaving the Dodgers’ lead at 1-0. The previous batter, Rafael Furcal, was called out on strikes.
The Dodgers also left the bases loaded in the second, when they scored their only run. Brad Penny popped up after Russell Martin doubled, Andre Ethier singled and Wilson Betemit walked. Furcal drew a walk to force in Martin with the first run, then Pierre’s soft line drive to left was caught on a dive by Eric Byrnes.
The only Dodgers hits with the bases loaded have been a double by Saenz in the third game of the season and a memorable grand slam by Martin in the 10th inning on April 21.
The major league batting average with the bases loaded this year is .263. The Dodgers won it in the bottom of the ninth as Saenz singled with Furcal at third to end the game 2-1. The Dodgers are 6-3 in one-run contests.
I was at the game last night and the Byrnes catch of Pierre’s liner was quite good. If that had gone through, the texture of the game would have changed substantially. But still, so many men on base, and so few of them came home. Before Olmedo’s game-winner, note that the only Dodger run came on a bases-loaded walk, not a hit.
Also, give yet another demerit to Wilson Betemit, who turned a lousy bunt into a force play at third. He’s lucky it didn’t turn into a double play. Betemit was replaced at third after that half-inning with Wilson #2, Mr. Valdez.
i am VERY surprised to see these stats.
i would have thought that my astros would top the leaving MOB list.
i guess it was that lone 10-1 victory that made us backslide to second