Big Brother Rules In Dodger Victory

Anaheim, California -- Led by Jeff Weaver's right arm, some clutch hitting, and impressive middle relief, the Los Angeles Dodgers defeated the Angels 6-4 in an interleague Saturday night game before 44,148 fans at Angels Stadium. The win evened the weekend Freeway Series at one game apiece heading into Sunday's concluding game.

The contest also featured a historical moment, as brothers Jeff Weaver of the Dodgers and Jered Weaver of the Angels competed against each other in starting roles for their respective squads. It was only the 21st time in major league history that two brothers had pitched against each other in the same game, with the last occasion occurring back in 2002 with the Benes brothers.

Initially, it appeared that younger brother Jered would get the best of his older sibling, as he started off the game with two scoreless innings.

Meanwhile, Jeff Weaver found himself in a 2-0 hole, thanks in part to a second-inning solo blast from Kendry Morales, his eleventh of the year. However, a spectacular leaping catch at the wall by Dodger center fielder Matt Kemp got the elder Weaver out of the inning, and he began to settle down thereafter with three innings of one-hit ball.

In the third, catcher Russell Martin ignited the Dodger rally by nailing his first home run of the year, a solo blast off of the younger Weaver to cut the lead to 2-1.

The Dodgers would then tie the score later that inning when Orlando Hudson's sacrifice fly brought home Matt Kemp from third base.

In the fifth inning, the Dodgers seized control of the game with timely hitting and some hustle from shortstop Rafael Furcal.

After Furcal drew a one-out walk, Hudson hit a ground ball that had "inning-ending double-play" written all over it. However, Furcal slid hard into second base, no throw to first was ever made, and the Dodgers remained alive.

James Loney then singled, and he was followed by Casey Blake's clutch two-out hit to bring home Hudson for a 3-2 Dodgers lead. Andre Ethier then tripled to bring in Loney and Blake for a 5-2 Dodgers lead.

In the sixth, the Dodgers finally chased Jered Weaver off for good. Martin and Kemp began the inning with singles, and then were moved along 90 feet by a Juan Pierre sacrifice.

Reliever Kevin Jepsen was brought from the 'pen to face Furcal, but then threw a wild pitch which allowed Martin to score for a 6-2 Dodger lead.

In the bottom of the sixth, older brother Jeff Weaver was removed as well after Angel Chone Figgins hit a lead-off triple during his 6-pitch at-bat.

Manager Joe Torre brought in reliever Ronald Belisario, who promptly struck out 3 of the next 4 batters in the heart of the Angels order to escape the inning. Belisario would strike out five total batters during his quality 1 and 2/3 scoreless innings.

Also effective was reliever Ramon Troncoso, who followed Belisario with 1 and 1/3 scoreless innings.

In the ninth, closer Jonathan Broxton entered the game with a four-run lead to protect after having missed his previous three games due to an injured toe.

Although he threw some impressive 97 mile per hour heat during his appearance, he also seemed a little rusty with his control, giving up a walk and a 2-run blast to Gary Matthews Jr., before finally closing the game.

The Dodgers' record now stands at 45-24, the best in baseball. They currently enjoy an 8-game lead over rival San Francisco in the NL West.

The Angels dropped to 36-30 on the year, 1/2 a game behind Texas in the AL West.

Post Game Notes

1. Juan Pierre continued his stellar play in place of Manny Ramirez, going 2 for 4, with a sacrifice. He is currently batting .330, and is tied for fourth in the National League with 16 stolen bases. Although he was caught stealing Saturday, he also made a nice running grab in the ninth during an Angels rally.

2. Martin had a multi-hit game, going 3 for 4 with his first home run of the year.

3. Jeff Weaver was efficient through the first 5 innings, throwing 60 pitches, 40 of which were strikes. He finished with 66 pitches overall.

4. Joe Torre elected to bat Matt Kemp in the number 9 spot, despite his .315 average. Kemp again proved effective, going 2 for 3 on the night with a stolen base. More importantly, the move provided the Dodgers with 4 consecutive speedsters to terrorize Angel pitching, as Kemp, Pierre, Furcal, and Hudson occupied the 9, 1, 2, and 3 spots respectively.

5. Jeff Weaver one-upped his brother and improved to 4-1 with the win, while Jered dropped to 7-3 on the year.

By Mike Elliott
Staff Editor for TheDailySportsHerald.com