Blue crew routs Brew crew in LA!

Los Angeles, Ca

Right from the jump, the Dodgers (66-41) took to beating the pants off the Milwaukee Brewers. That was until after the game, when Prince Fielder wanted some revenge for being hit. The 17-4 victory was the highest run total put up by the Dodgers since May 25, 1979. Matt kemp and Manny Ramirez led the club with a home run each and 8 RBIs between the two. Offense was the key to the night as Los Angeles scored four quick runs in the bottom of the first off pitcher Yovani Gallardo (10-8). LA starter Huroki Kuroda (4-5) went six strong innings giving up 3 runs on 9 hits but also struck out seven in his second start since returning from a two month stint on the DL.

For the 45,535 fans at Chavez Ravine, the price of the ticket was well worth it on this warm summer night. The home town Dodgers got their biggest home win in 30 years, with a big first inning to start things off, a streaker (albeit clothed) running through the outfield before finally being tackled and carted off to jail in the third, home runs from a pair of sluggers (Manny & Kemp), four hit batsmen, and a Juan Pierre catch at the let field wall to end the game. Dodgers security guards worked for their wage on the night too. After the young fan ran onto the field they had to corral a bigger fella' after the game. The Brewers 270lb. vegetarian first baseman tried to run into the Dodgers clubhouse after the game for a word (and presumably more) with relief pitcher Guillermo Mota after being plunked in the leg with two out in the 9th inning.

"He ran over there, and they weren't going to let him in, and everybody came back," said manager Ken Macha. "I don;t know if you can restrain Prince. I don't think I can. I don't think there's anybody else out there who can."

Dodgers security did well despite what Milwaukee's skipper had to say.

With four players HBP and a fuming Fielder, this should set up for a good rubber match at Dodger Stadium on Wednesday night. This will be the final regular game of the season between the two clubs. Milwaukee and Los Angeles rank 3rd and 5th respectively for most hit batters this season. (46, 42) More important to Los Angeles and most likely over shadowed by the Brewers post game antics was slugger Manny Ramirez breaking out of a 7-for-44 slump with two big hits. After going 0-2 on two flyouts, Man-Ram hit a towering solo shot over the left-field fence and then drove in two on a bases loaded double in part of the Dodgers 7 run 6th inning.

"Manny was struggling and hopefully he broke out of it tonight," said Torre. "He's important for us. Not only for what he does for his bat, but what he does for people around him."

I think those words could not be more true than for center fielder Matt Kemp. After Manny hit his HR to gain his first RBI in 44 at bats (His last being the Bobblehead-Night Grand Slam) I looked over to my friend Travis who took in the game with me and said, "Now watch out for Kemp." I have noticed that Matt Kemp more than any other Dodger player really seems to explode on nights that Ramirez does well. When I watch this club it really seems like the young outfielder pays so much attention not his hero's production but to his focus and intensity. Keep an eye out for Kemp, one of my picks to be a future perennial All-Star. Really take your time and watch this blossoming star on nights that Ramirez plays well. I think the sky is the limit for this kid and he may just bring James Loney and Andre Ethier (the clubs HR leader) along for the ride. After Kemp's four hit, five RBI night, he had this to say. "I don't think you ever get used to five RBIs. It feels good to get five RBIs and help the team win." Get used to it Dodger fans, this kid is special.

In other notes, Matt Kemp's .323 avg. is good for fourth in the NL. Second baseman Orlando Hudson who missed the game with stomach problems should play in the series finale. Former Charger and Patriots linebacker Junior Seau was on hand as a dodger bat boy. The Chargers host their first training camp practice open to the public Wednesday night at Qualcomm.