A miss is as good as a smile.

Cincinnati, OH

With the bases loaded and two out Manny Ramirez struck out looking at a slider. It was the third such time in the game Manny was ineffective with runners in scoring position. A timely hit could have propelled the Blue Crew to victory as they ended up losing by a small margin 4-2. Joe Torre was not thrilled after the game.

"We had the people we wanted up," said Torre. "We just didn't get it done. There's no question we need him [Ramirez], that's the responsibility he's had for years. Right now, he's just out of whack. He's dangerous and he's going to continue to be dangerous and start hitting again hopefully tomorrow," Torre added. "I have confidence in that part of him."

It makes me wonder what parts of Man-Ram skipper Joe Torre doesn't have confidence in. Is he worried the slugger won't be the same without steroids? Is he not confident in his fielding or his hustle? For the sake of Dodgers fans throughout the country, optimism remains high on the super capable slugger. Since LA last played the Reds on July 21st, the night Manny was hit on the hand, Ramirez has seen his average drop from .348 to .306.

Dodgers starter Chad Billingsley (12-8) was outperformed by the home teams Homer Bailey (4-4). Billingsley who started the season 10-5 with a 3.71 ERA has struggled as of late. Since his last win (vs. Cinn. July 22) the right hander was 2-2 with a 4.28 ERA in his last five starts. Last night Billingsley gave up 4 runs in 5 innings for a 7.2 ERA. He gave up seven hits and only faced one batter in the sixth inning. "I'm struggling right now," Billingsley said. "I just need to get back into a groove and find my rhythm again." He has been wearing a tightly wrapped bandage on his left hamstring, but claims he is OK. We will all find out how true that is soon enough. The Reds Homer Bailey pitched rather well. In fact he had a career game. His 8 innings and 7 K's were both career highs for the former first round pick. He allowed only seven hits, all singles, and one walk in leading Cincinnati to their fifth straight victory.

"I think it's just this much time being up. It's probably my longest so far," said Bailey when asked what has been different during his back-to-back victories. "I'm getting comfortable and realizing the things I can and can't do."

The Dodgers (76-53) meet the Reds (56-71) this afternoon at 1:10 p.m. Pacific Time. The game will be broadcast on FOX as part of the Game of the Week package with Eric Karros and Thom Brennaman calling the action.