Ethier’s 2-run homer gives Dodgers win over Brewers

Andre Ethier, one of many young and talented Dodgers hitters, got his second game winning hit in six days, a two-run home run in the bottom of the ninth inning off Brewers reliever Carlos Villanueva for a wild 7-5 victory.  Milwaukee slugger Ryan Braun was just that in his return from injury and to his hometown, completing a four run ninth inning rally with a two-run, two-out, two strike, home run, tying the game at five. Though it seemed shocking for the Dodgers, the Brewers momentum gained was short lived.

Matt Kemp, who led off the bottom of the first inning with a home run, started the last of the ninth with a hit, a ringing single up the middle. The Fox announcers had doubts that Ethier could end the game, focusing instead on Manny Ramirez, who was two batters away. Ethier proved them wrong. He hit a good tailing curveball from Villanueva, clearing the wall in spite of a valiant effort by right fielder Corey Hart, for his second home run of the contest. With the loss by the Diamondbacks, this win for the Dodgers ties them for the division lead, and gives L.A. their 7th win in 10 games.

Ethier has been hero now twice this week for the Dodgers, but the real reason for their success this month is the play of new arrival Manny Ramirez. His reputation has diminished around the league with the way he treated the Boston Red Sox prior to his departure, but his hitting has only heated up. He has done nothing but crush the ball with his new team, batting at a .424 clip with 5 homers and 18 rbi’s in just 15 games. He has 10 walks with the club, allowing him to improve his productivity by getting on base over 50% of the time. His performance and hustle with the Dodgers has garnered frustration from Red Sox fans, and rightfully so. He gave up on Boston, and seemed content doing so. He got his wish, no matter how long it took, and is flourished with a contending team in the National League.

In spite of the good performance by starting pitcher Clayton Kershaw (6 IP, 8 hits, ER, 6 strikeouts), the Dodgers, as a staff, don’t have enough consistency to chase a world title. They haven’t gotten enough out of capable pitchers such as Brad Penny, who has battle injuries all season, contributing just a 6-9 record with a huge 6.05 ERA. Chad Billingsley has been the staff ace, boasting 12 wins and a 3.18 ERA. He is the only starter in double figures in wins, and the only sure thing on their staff. If they somehow do get enough pitching down the stretch, and their offense continues to hit, the Dodgers could not only keep up with Arizona, but make a deep run in the playoffs.