Look out, rest of the MLB, the Dodgers may still be sitting in last place of the NL West but their run to the World Series has begun!
Okay fans, I guess we can tone down the enthusiasm a bit, but I do not remember the last time a two-game winning streak had such significance. The Dodgers last two-game win streak dates back to April 25-26 against the Mets and Brewers. Bet you did not see that making headlines, or causing buzz among fans.
After their brutal 8-game stretch, these back-to-back solid victories were needed to keep the LA fan base sane. Even if it did come against the MLB-worst Miami Marlins.
Tonight’s victory was made possible from players whose future with the club was in question this off season, Scott Van Slyke and Chris Capuano.
Scott Van Slyke got the start at first base with Adrian Gonzalez sitting out another game due to neck strain. Van Slyke started the Dodgers scoring with a solo home run in the second inning, and his RBI single in the seventh brought in the teams fifth and final run of the night.
Van Slyke was called up from Triple-A on May 10th. He presents a power threat that is non-existent from the rest of the Dodger bench, and he has the ability to play first base while Gonzalez is being reviewed day-to-day. With the Dodgers lineup struggling, his AAA stat line of .397/.503/.733 has had fans demanding for a call-up for a few weeks.
His status as a Dodger was in question this off season when the club designated him for assignment to make room on the 40-man roster. Being placed on waivers gave any team in the league a chance to pick him up, effectively ending his current run as a Dodger. Many expected him to draw interest from a few ball clubs, but he cleared waivers and remained with the club.
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Chris Capuano’s spot on the Dodgers was also questionable as the team had eight starting pitchers on the roster to begin the season. He spent some time in the bullpen, but with the surge of injuries Capuano ended up in the rotation and is fighting to show why he deserves a spot to stay there when the injured pitchers return.
Capuano earned his first win of the season, pitching 6.1 innings, striking out seven and giving up one run on a solo blast to Justin Ruggiano.
Tomorrow the Washington Nationals come to Los Angeles. The Nats have won seven of their last ten games, and look to be a more competitive foe than the Marlins were this series.
Twitter Trends from #Dodgers Nation
- Van Slyke’s handle-bar mustache is definitely getting a thumbs-up from Dodger fashion critics
- Lots of sarcasm towards the teams two wins, “Two wins in a row, World Series Contender...not!”
- Another frequent comment: “If only we could beat teams that weren’t the Miami Marlins :( ”
- The ladies liked the look of Kemp and Ethier in pink gear for Mothers Day and Breast Cancer Awareness
