Dodgers held to two hits in 7-1 loss

By Steve Henson, Times Staff Writer
1:38 PM PDT, April 2, 2007

MILWAUKEE — Ben Sheets tossed a wet blanket over the Dodgers today, giving up two hits and retiring 22 batters in a row at one point as the Milwaukee Brewers coasted to a 7-1 opening day victory at Miller Park.

It was the first complete-game victory on opening day for a Brewers pitcher since 1979 and only the second career complete game for Sheets, who missed much of last season because of a shoulder injury.

Dodgers starter Derek Lowe was uncharacteristically wild, equaling a career high with five walks and giving up six runs and eight hits in four innings.

The Brewers pecked away for one run in each of the first three innings by hitting Lowe’s sinker up the middle for singles and a double, and waiting out walks. Jeff Kent got the Dodgers on the scoreboard with a home run to center to lead off the second, but Sheets didn’t give up another hit until backup outfielder Brady Clark doubled with one out in the ninth.

New Dodgers left fielder Luis Gonzalez misplayed a fly ball in a three-run fourth that resulted in two runs and the Brewers extended the lead to 6-1.