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VS.
With a storied rivalry, and glamorous histories between them, they take the field in a series that begins tonight at Pacific Bell Park (Pac Bell). After losing five of the first six games against the Giants this season, the Dodgers took two of three last weekend in Los Angeles. Both teams come in riding some hot pitchers. For the Dodgers, who lead the Major League's in earned run average this season, it has been lights out pitching across the board. Kevin Brown tops the list with ten wins and heads towards the all-star game, but he is NOT the only story. Hideo Nomo has pitched much better than his record shows (8-6) and with some more run support from the Dodger lineup during his outings, he could easily have over ten wins with the 2.55 era he currently sports. Couple Nomo, with the impressive pitching of "Kaz" Ishii (7-2 2.76) and the absolute shut down hurling of closer Eric Gagne, (1.85 era and 29 saves) L.A. brings an extremely potent staff to this week's battle with their arch rivals. On the other side of the board is Jason Schmidt. Schmidt shut down Los Angeles in his last start with eleven strikeouts and his nasty fastball, and he is still a very solid pitcher in the N.L. (6-3 2.43 era). The normally consistent Kirk Reuter and the young arm of Damian Moss have been a little shaky as of late, which has put some pressure on the lineup to score some runs. Each team has a model of efficiency in their lineup and a model for dissapointment. Let's start with the good news and talk about Paul Loduca and Barry Bonds. What more can you say about Bonds? He is still in the same zone he entered two years ago and I don't think he is ever leaving. With 20 homeruns and hitting above .300, Bonds just keeps on pushing. Oh, and walking too. He once again leads the majors (68). Bonds is a rock in the middle of the San Fransisco lineup but if the Dodgers can get everyone else out as easily as they have recently, they will simply pitch around him. |
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