What a Game!

I just saw one of the most amazing baseball games in my life. My favorite baseball team since childhood, the Los Angeles Dodgers, just beat the San Diego Padres in dramatic fashion to regain possession of first place in the National League West.

The night started off on the wrong foot, as the Padres scored 4 runs in the first inning off of the Dodgers ace, Brad Penny. The Dodgers retained their composure, though, and chipped away at the lead, scoring runs in each of the first 3 innings to finally tie it in the 3rd. I thought for sure the Dodgers were going to lose when, in the 6th inning, they failed to score with the bases loaded and no outs. The Padres scored two runs in the 8th and three more in the 9th to take a commanding 9-5 lead.

Then, in the bottom of the 9th, the Dodgers did something that hadn't been done in more than 40 years--they socked four consecutive solo home runs! An amazing feat, particularly since the Dodgers rank last in the league in home runs hit. It's more amazing considering that two of the home runs came off of one of the best relievers in history, Trevor Hoffman. Hailing from Bellflower, California, Hoffman had been virtually unbeatable against the Dodgers, saving 55 games in 57 tries. He's three saves away from attaining the record for most saves in baseball history. This guy is dominant. Surprisingly, the Dodgers nearly hit two more homers off of him before the inning was over.

Momentum was hugely in the Dodgers favor going into extra innings. Unfortunately, their bullpen imploded again and gave up the go-ahead run. But, in the bottom of the 10th, the new relief pitcher for the Padres (a former Dodger) walked the lead-off batter. The next hitter was Nomar Garciaparra, who had struck out in the 8th inning with runners on second and third. With the count at 3-1, Nomar hit a massive bomb to left field bringing home the tying and winning runs, and with it, sole possession of first place. As soon as the ball left the bat, Nomar pumped his fist, knowing it was out of there.

An unbelieveable game. Hopefully, the momentum from this game will carry them through the rest of the season and well into the post-season.

Here's another great take on that amazing ballgame.