Dodgers Win in Lucky 13th

National League leading Dodgers faced off against the 55-88 Pittsburgh Pirates last night in hopes of extending their lead against the Colorado Rockies. The Rockies lost the San Francisco Giants last night in a 10-2 slaughter and are currently on a 4 game losing streak. Less than a week ago, the Dodgers lead was down to only two games after being as high as 15 ½ back in early June. It’s quickly caught back up to five off of the bat of Andre Ethier.

Andre Ethier saved the day again with another walk-off home run. It was the sixth time he’s done so this year, which is the best in the major leagues. It was also his 30th homer of the season, which leads Los Angeles and certainly solidifies his place as one of the Dodgers major hitters. After the Dodgers couldn’t earn one run in the bottom of the 12th after Juan Pierre hit a triple to the right corner of the outfield with only one down, it looked as though it might just not be their night. Pittsburgh was able to convert in the top of the 13th, making it a go big or go home situation for the Dodgers, who dramatically rose to the challenge.

The supernatural superstition of the number 13 didn’t disappoint. It was an odd inning to begin with and at nearly midnight PST, it had become an eerie chess match between managers Joe Torre and John Russell. Pinch hits, pitching changes, and strategic bunting had become commonplace. It took a fluke line drive into Pittsburgh pitcher, Chris Bootcheck, thigh to allow Rafael Furcal to get on base and bring the potential winning run, Andre Ethier, to the plate. One pitch, one swing, one home run, one 13 inning game in the books.

There are still some questions as to how well the Dodgers are built for the post season. Leaving a man on third when the game is on the line is a situation that raises a few red flags. Going to 13 innings against the Pittsburgh Pirates also is troubling. The Pirates have the second worst record in MLB, only above the Washington Nationals, and only by 5 ½ games. If they’re wanting to go far in the playoffs, Dodgers will have to maintain or regenerate their early season success. Dodgers will by all accounts still be the top seed in the National League, but if the playoffs were to start tomorrow, they would face the World Series Champs Phillies in the first round. It will be a seriously tough match-up for LA.