Webb shuts out Dodgers to complete series sweep

To sum up the series for the Dodgers, the inability to produce runs, more specifically, leaving men on base, and some sloppy defense, proved to be the difference maker. The Dodgers leave home, needing a change of scenery. The road trip starts on Tuesday and consists of stops at Cincinnati and St. Louis.

Duel amongst aces as the Dodgers sent top starter Brad Penny and the D-Backs countered with Brandon Webb. The Dodgers came into the game in a huge slump, losing 4 of their 5 home games and hitting a meager 3 for 36 with RISP. The team needed a win to stop the bleeding. It wasn’t long ago that the Dodgers were sitting on top of the division, but in a blink of an eye they have fallen to 3rd place, and after today’s game 4 games out.

The Dodgers didn’t waste any time putting themselves in a hole as the D-backs put up 2 runs in the 2nd inning. A misplayed fly ball by 2nd Basemen Ramon Martinez, though not charged with an error, provided a setup for the inning. Justin Upton and Chris Snyder collected RBI’s.

Brad Penny appeared frustrated during the 5th inning when home plate umpire Gary Cederstrom made a questionable call. This sparked a brief altercation that nearly caused the ejection of the Dodger ace. When the bottom of the 5th rolled around the Dodger fans were holding their breath as Brad Penny fouled a pitch off his pitching fingers. The big man took the pain and promptly singled into left field. However, the Dodger offensive attack stranded 2 men on base. That is something that fans are becoming accustomed to. When everything was all said and done for Penny, he finished up with 7 innings pitched, 3 runs all of which earned, 5 K’s, and the loss.

Brandon Webb completely shut down the Dodgers; he averaged 12 pitches an inning. 14 of the 27 outs recorded were made while making 2 pitches or less. The first place Diamondbacks travel to Pittsburgh looking to extend their lead in the division.