As you lucky West Coast Dodger fans are sleeping comfortably, those of us on the opposite coast that stuck it out to the end are tired. Damn tired. But now so tired that I can’t continue to revel in last night’s big win.
Just like I said about the previous game, these are the games that we need to win, but haven’t so far this season. When the offense can overcome a bad start, that’s when you know the team is working. When the offense dries up, you can still count on the right hit at the right time to pull out the W. Seemed like those kinds of victories were out of our grasp for most of this season. I’d like to see this be a trend. Will be good for my heart. It’s also been nice to have an extended string of wins.
Took the @dodgers 8 try’s to win 4 in a row. As for winning 5 in a row 1-1. Keep it up blue. @whiff #BeatSF
— franky bravo diaz (@braaavo5) July 31, 2014
Thumbing through the recaps, here are several great perspectives: Mike Petriello does the wrap at Dodger Digest. He focuses on the resurgence of Matt Kemp, the fuel behind tonight’s victory. One amazing, but easy to overlook Kemp stat from the game – he advanced two bases on an infield single. Twice! Love that hustle. Also on Kemp…
His wRC+ is now 134, which is not only better than his career average, it’d be the third-best of his career. It’s one of the 35 best marks in the game. The last week or so is something of an unsustainable hot streak, I’m aware, but it doesn’t mean I’m not enjoying it.
Stacie Wheeler at Lasorda’s Lair has a great rundown of the highlights, including a check in with the bubble machine.
Bubbles are flowing in the Dodgers’ dugout after they tie it up 1-1 in the bottom of the second thanks to a Bison Blast by Matt Kemp! The lead-off homerun to left center field is the third homer for Kemp in the last two games.
Over at True Blue LA, Eric Stephen writes about the “old soul” delivering new accomplishments. My favorite take, though, was the acknowledgement of Kemp’s walkup music.
He came to bat a few times on Wednesday with “All Night Long” by Lionel Richie as hit at-bat music, including before the home run. Kemp played along when asked if he might keep Richie as his walk-up muse. “He’s one of my favorite artists. We could do this all night long. It’s a good song,” Kemp said, laughing. “I’ve got an old soul.”
And of course, you always need to check out Jon Soo Hoo’s amazing photos from the game to feel what it was like to be there. What did the Braves fans have to say?
And yet another game where Kimbrel sits in the pen only to watch his team lose to the #Dodgers and not get a chance to pitch..#Braves — Mike Hanley (@Magic20099) July 31, 2014
Only thing worse than staying up until 1:30 for an extra inning Braves game is seeing the Braves lose at 1:30 in the morning.
— Brandon Howard (@brandonshoward) July 31, 2014
If you want to recapture the feel of the game and follow along with what the fans were thinking, saying, feeling and sharing, be sure to visit last night’s social recap here on DodgerSocial.
What was your favorite part of the game?
(photo credit: http://dodgersphotog.mlblogs.com/2014/07/31/73014-something-current-lad-3atl-2-by-jon-soohoola-dodgers/)