theindychannel.com
MLB

MLB


Haren Shines, D-Backs Nip Dodgers To Retake Top Spot In West

POSTED: 1:41 am EDT July 20, 2008

(Sports Network) - Dan Haren threw seven innings of shutout ball, and the Diamondbacks staved off a late Dodger rally, as Arizona clipped Los Angeles, 3-2, to take over sole possession of first place in the NL West.

"We are at home and this is the time of year we have to take serious," Arizona manager Bob Melvin said. "Today was pretty close to a must win. Tomorrow is a big win to take the series and set the tone in our division and beat the team that is right behind you."

Haren (9-5) allowed just four hits while striking out seven and walking two batters in his time on the hill. Brandon Lyon earned his 20th save of the year despite giving up two runs on three hits in the ninth.

"He bends but doesn't break," Dodgers manager Joe Torre said of Haren. "He is one of those grinders and plays off the hitters' emotions a lot."

Chad Tracy and Stephen Drew each had a hit and an RBI for the D'Backs, who are 3-3 over their last six contests. Conor Jackson added a solo homer in the win.

Chad Billingsley (9-9) took the loss as he lasted 5 2/3 innings and was touched for the three runs on seven hits.

Jeff Kent hit a solo home run in the ninth, which was his 1,500th career RBI, for the Dodgers, who are 2-4 over their last six games.

Lyon was called on to close it out for Arizona in the ninth, but surrendered a leadoff homer to Kent. Nomar Garciaparra then laced a long fly to Young in center for the first out. James Loney hit a grounder which Tony Clark misplayed at first, allowing the runner to reach base. Delwyn Young kept the Dodgers alive with an RBI double, and it was a one-run game.

Blake DeWitt grounded out, which allowed Young to move to third, and pinch- hitter Andruw Jones worked a walk. Matt Kemp was jammed and popped up to right field to end the threat and the game.

Jackson belted a home run in the first to start the scoring, and consecutive doubles from Orlando Hudson and Tracy produced another run.

Miguel Montero led off the fourth frame with a double to right before Young walked. Alex Romero advanced the runners into scoring position with a ground out, but Montero was forced out at home on Haren's grounder. However, Drew picked Arizona up with a run-scoring single for a 3-0 lead.

Game Notes

Haren is 8-2 at home and 1-3 on the road...Arizona has won five of its seven matchups with the Dodgers this season, including a three-game sweep at Chase Field from April 7-9.


Sports E-News

Sign up to receive daily sports headlines.
 


Links We Like
Sponsored Content
Besieged by nagging aches and pains? You might have fibromyalgia. Read about the signs and symptoms. More

In many homes the kitchen is the focal point of the entire house. Keep your kitchen up to date and meet the needs of your family’s lifestyle. More

It’s so easy for us to go with the quick and often times unhealthy option when it’s time to grab lunch during a busy work day. Here are some tips on how to eat healthier at work. More

Taking care of personal finances isn’t always an easy task, and sometimes we make some major blunders. Learn to avoid those mistakes and keep your money safe. More

Don’t be left out. Make the switch to Digital TV.

Sponsored Links