To get the victory, the Dodgers leaned on 21-year-old starting pitcher Clayton Kershaw. In six innings of work, Kershaw gave up only three hits while striking out ten batters and giving up no runs. The bullpen pitched three perfect innings to give the Dodgers a 5-0 win.

With a record of 94-67, the Dodgers have also been able to clinch home-field advantage in the National League.

Despite the loss, the Rockies are headed to the 2009 baseball playoffs as the NL Wild Card winner. The Dodgers and Rockies will join the St. Louis Cardinals and the reigning World Series champion Philadelphia Phillies in the postseason.

Manny Ramirez and the Dodgers clinch the NL West (Image: Zuma Press)

Post from: EveryJoe

Los Angeles Dodgers Clinch NL West

The Rockies latest win came on Thursday when they downed the Cincinnati Reds by a final count of 5-1. After the Reds got up with a run in the first inning, the Rockies got five runs in the third to go up for good. The two big hits for Colorado in the inning were a Jason Giambi two-run double and a two-run homer by Garrett Atkins.

Not only are the Rockies within striking distance in the NL West, they are starting to pull away in the NL Wild Card race. They currently lead the San Francisco Giants by 4.5 games and the Florida Marlins by 5.5 games.

The Rockies next travel to San Diego for a three-game series with the Padres. Then, starting on Monday, the Rockies and Giants square off in a very important series that could go a long ways towards decided the NL Wild Card representative.

Everyone in Colorado is happy (Image: Zuma Press)

Post from: EveryJoe

Rockies Putting Pressure on the Dodgers

Now that’s really messing with someone. It’s probably something the Los Angeles Dodgers should have really thought about before executing. Not exactly the best way to handle a player, especially a pitcher. There are enough mind games played with pitcher’s these days, they don’t need help from their own front office.

Understandably, Sturtze did not want to comment on the situation.

Post from: EveryJoe

Dodgers cut Sturtze then tell him to stay

Everyone please stand up. OK. Now – put your hands together and start clapping. Why are you clapping? Because Colorado Rockies shortstop Troy Tulowitzki has finally arrived for the 2008 season. Last night – Tulo went 5-for-5 at the plate in his first game back since slicing his right hand when he shattered a bat in frustration on July 4.

Tulowitzki tied a single-game high for hits last night for the Rockies during his perfect game at the plate. It’s about time too. The former Long Beach State standout is definitely experiencing that “sophomore slump.” The Rockies sit seven games out of first place in the ugly National League West. Believe it or not – after their horrid start – they still have a chance. If Tulo starts hitting (and stays healthy) and the Rockies don’t send Matt Holliday packing before the trade deadline – things could get really interesting for the defending NL champions.

Maybe Tulo had a sip of Kevin Youkilis’ slump buster drink. Or maybe he finally realized the season had started and he forgot to show up for the first four months. Either way – for Tulowitzki to show that he’s earned that new contract, he needs to hold his batting average above the Mendoza Line (which currently sits at .192). He also needs to help sure up the left side of the infield for Colorado with his glove.

Post from: EveryJoe

Have a day Tulo