One thing the Los Angeles Dodgers have to be given credit for on a night where nothing went right—they know how to end a streak in grand fashion.
Backed by a 21-hit attack and a six-RBI night from embattled outfielder Delmon Young, the Philadelphia Phillies whipped the Dodgers, 16-1.
It represented the Dodgers’ worst loss at home since they moved out west in 1958.
The night started out bad for the Dodgers and continued to get worse. Starter Chris Capuano was roughed up for three runs in the first inning and eventually left after allowing seven runs (five earned) on 10 hits in 3.2 innings.
Relievers Peter Moylan and Matt Guerrier were about as effective as Capuano. They combined to give up another eight runs in 3.1 innings.
The number of Phillies that crossed home plate even had legendary broadcaster Vin Scully looking for relief.
This was a perfect night for Brandon League to pitch, considering he was demoted from his closer role and designated for mop-up duty.
He at least held the Phillies to one run in his lone inning of work.
By that time, the Phillies had taken a 16-1 lead, and there was only one thing left for manager Don Mattingly to do—call upon his relief pitcher extraordinaire, Skip Schumaker.
Schumaker entered with a lifetime 0.00 ERA in a Dodger uniform, and he left with a perfect mark as well. He was the lone Dodger pitcher unscored on all night.
Schumaker has clearly given the phrase “utility player” a new meaning with his performance.
So the modest six-game winning streak ends for the Dodgers. But maybe they’ll catch a break on Saturday.
At least there’s that.
Doug Mead is a featured columnist with Bleacher Report. His work has been featured in the Seattle Post-Intelligencer, SF Gate, CBS Sports, the Los Angeles Times and the Houston Chronicle.
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