May 21 - Last night at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, the LA Dodgers defeated the New York Mets 2-1, ensuring that the Major League Baseball home team completed a notable three-game clean sweep against the visitors, thanks in part to a magnificent go-ahead run made by Russell Martin in the 8th inning.
Before making the hit - that had Dodger's fans yelling and jumping with joy - Martin was 0-for-11 in the this year's MLB series. His crucial run will not only have booste his confidence, but will undoubtedly have resulted in plenty of bank-slapping and smiles from manager Joe Torre as well as his teammates.
The LA Dodgers' Orlando Hudson also made a contribution to the end result of Wednesday night's game when he made a single with one out in the 8th against Mets' pitcher J.J. Putz. Shortly thereafter, the pitcher walked Andre Ethier before Martin strode up to the plate and belted one deep into the left field.
Martin's hit was his 16th RBI this season so far. The LA Dodgers' victory also propelled them to their MLB best record of 29-13, which not only extended their divisional lead against San Francisco Giants by a whopping 8 1/2 games, but could ensure a repeat of last season when they became NL West champions.
Left-handed Dodgers' rookie Brent Leach also celebrated his first major league baseball win, when he retired both Mets batters he faced in the 8th inning. Fellow pitcher Jonathan Broxton also played his part for the Dodgers when he pitched a scoreless 9th inning for his eleventh save out of thirteen attempts.
The New York Mets, however, were far from dazzling on Wednesday night. In fact, their three-game series against the LA Dodgers showed weaknesses and a failure to capitalize on opportunities. One of which was when they blew a lead in the top of the 8th last night with runners at second and third with one out.
Leach thwarted the Mets opportunity when - replacing Ronald Belisario - he made quick work of retiring the Mets' Daniel Murphy on a grounder to first with the infield in, and getting pinch-hitter Fernando Tatis on a grounder to short. All in all, the LA Dodgers were the better team and deserved the clean sweep.
