Dodgers Have Bad Day, Then Lose Freeway Series

Dodgers 2 5 0

Angels    6 9 0

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LP-Haren-0-1

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I’m sure the Dodgers would love to have this day back. The Dodgers had to put Clayton Kershaw on the 15-day DL this afternoon, and then dropped the Freeway Series to the Angels with a 6-2 loss Saturday night at Disneyland. Kershaw experienced discomfort while playing catch today and the Dodgers weren’t taking any chances with their ace lefty. So Hyun-jin Ryu will pitch the opening day game against the Giants on April 4th.

I wonder what they’re discussing?-Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports

Speaking of bad days, Saturday night’s starter Dan Haren had a really bad day at the office. Haren who is penciled to start on Wednesday night at San Diego, only lasted two terrible frames against the Angels in the third game of the Freeway Series at Anaheim.

I don’t know what Haren’s problem was, but he looked awful. Maybe he was just rusty? Or maybe he was just missing his spots? The veteran right hander allowed six earned runs on six hits, and whiffed just one. Haren gave up two home runs, and was very hittable. I just keep telling myself it’s only an exhibition game. At least he got it out of his system now and not on Wednesday night. The Dodgers may have to rethink Wednesday.

The Angels scored twice in the first, and four runs in the second. By the second inning, Manager Don Mattingly had pulled all of the regulars.

Mike Trout singled in the first inning, and came around to score on an Albert Pujols double. Then David Freese’s double scored Pujols to put the Angels ahead 2-0.

Howie Kendrick led off the second frame with a double, and advanced to third on a grounder. After a costly walk to Erick Aybar, Kole Calhoun launched a three-run home run into the right field seats, and that put the Angels up 5-0. Trout followed up by hitting a solo home run to left and that made the score 6-0 Angels.

The Dodgers would come back with two runs in the third. Justin Turner a lead-off double, A.J. Ellis singled pinch-runner Miguel Rojas to third. After Mike Baxter predictably struck out, Drew Butera’s walk loaded the bases. Gordon’s little dribble allowed the Angels to turn a force out at the plate. Former Angel Chone Figgins had the feel  good at-bat of the day with an opposite field bloop double to right to score two runs. That got the Dodgers on the board and made the score 6-2 Angels.

That was all the Dodgers would get as Tyler Skaggs whiffed Clint Robinson to end the third. In the fourth, Kole Calhoun robbed Joc Pederson of an extra base-hit or perhaps a home run with a leaping catch of his deep drive to the right field wall. That would be the last semblance of Dodger offense for the rest of the evening.

Youngster Tyler Skaggs pitched fairly well, giving up two earned runs on five hits in 3.2. He walked tow and whiffed six Dodgers. Brandon League pitched a scoreless inning and lowered his spring ERA to 12.27. (control your snickering)

Right hander Matt Magill followed with three solid innings, allowing just one hit and three walks. That was it. I won’t bore you with anymore details from this meaningless game.

I would expect roster decisions to be out soon, possibly by tonight or early tomorrow. We’ll let you know as soon as we know. And speaking of meaningful games, they start tomorrow night. On Sunday night Baseball, as the Dodgers drive down to San Diego to resume regular season play. Hyun-jin Ryu will duel flamethrower Andrew Cashner Sunday night at 5 PM.