Shortstop Dee Gordon greets first baseman Adrian Gonzalez with a special ritual all their own after A-Gone’s towering home run.
What a game. Almost lost by Ronald Belisario, but still a great game!
Nearly everybody contributed something: Nick Punto and Carl Crawford hustled; Adrian Gonzalez had a burst of out-of-the-park power; Ted Lilly pitched well (who woulda thunk?); Mark “Mr. Dependable” Ellis hit a timely double to knock in an insurance run; reliever Paco Rodriguez got his first win; and, believe it or not, Brandon League registered a save. All contributed to a fantastic hard-fought victory over the St. Louis visitors.
It was a team effort, for sure, and I’m glad Matt Kemp realized that. He only acted like a baby for a little while after he was replaced in the lineup in a double-switch. He sulked but got over it pretty quick when he realized it was in the best interest of the team in a close game. Good to see that.
Utility infielder Nick Punto
In Praise of the Little Guy
In recent years, the Dodgers have enjoyed the unexpected contributions of several veteran utility infielders of small stature but massive competitive spirit.
This year, Nick Punto is filling the role admirably, following in the footsteps of Jamey Carroll, Aaron Miles and Gerry Hairston Jr., just to name a few.
Punto is batting well, runs like a race horse and has the optimistic exuberance of someone who loves playing baseball. I love this guy.
Piewalla's Dodger Blues 