The Stretch Run

The Dodgers defeated the Chicago Cubs last night 3-1. They were powered by Clayton Kershaw's 7 innings of 3 hit, 1 run pitching and Matt Kemp's two-run homer, his 16th, in the bottom of the 4th inning. They are 1/2 behind the San Francisco Giants. They send Joe Blanton to the mound this afternoon in his first start for the Dodgers for the series sweep. The Dodgers have made more moves this season than they have in the past several years and are geared up for the stretch run. The Dodgers new parts are struggling to get acclimated to the Dodgers. After Hanley Ramirez's hot start with his new team, he is mired in a 3 for 23 slump although he does have 10 RBI's. Shane Victorino is only 2 for 12 since coming over from the Phillies. Pitcher Randy Choate has appeared in 5 games, giving up 1 run in 3 2/3 IP, and Brandon League has only appeared in 2 games, giving up a run in 1 1/3 IP. Joe Blanton makes his Dodger debut this afternoon.