ARLINGTON, Texas -- At the start of this three-game series, there was a thought this would have been a good test for the up and coming Rangers, who lead the AL West.It turned out to be a nice test -- and confirmation -- for the Dodgers, who own the best record in the game.
After three humid days and nights at Rangers Ballpark in Arlington, Los Angeles took two of three games here and will head back to Southern California happy.
The Dodgers had lost three of four games and had scored just nine runs in that span heading into play Saturday night.
It was time for something to happen.
Friday night, Joe Torre said his team was pressing following a 6-0 loss. Then, Saturday night, a 3-1, victory, Torre said his club let loose a little frustration with the offense. And Sunday afternoon with temperatures in the 90s for most of the day, the Dodgers pounded out 10 hits, drew seven walks and got a three-run homer from Casey Blake that gave L.A. a lead it wouldn't relinquish.
"It was important in the fact, we had two two out base hits, that's been pretty much our trademark here," Torre said of Sunday's victory. "Today it made a big difference."
It started in the first inning when Juan Pierre walked. He moved to second on a bunt single from Rafael Furcal and when Orlando Hudson moved the runners over with a sacrifice, it set the stage for Blake. His flyout drove in Pierre with the first run of the day.
Furcal said moving runners over on bunts helps a struggling offense, and when that happens you win games.
The Dodgers kept moving along, despite the Rangers taking a 2-1 lead in their half of the first. Brad Ausmus doubled to start the third and Pierre drew another walk. Furcal sacrificed the runners over. Hudson reached on a fielder's choice but Ausmus was out at the plate.
Blake was next. He fought Rangers starter Derek Holland, for eight pitches, before sending a 3-2 pitch to left for a 4-2 lead. It was Blake's first homer in 20 games.
"Seems like our offense has been down a little bit lately, the last week or so," Blake said. "So it was nice to come out and support our starting pitching and we did it in different ways. We bunted guys over and that sort of thing, and it was a good team win today."
Chad Billingsley went seven innings to earn his team-leading ninth win of the season. Jonathan Broxton picked up his 16th save of the year by striking out the side after allowing a leadoff single to Michael Young.
These Dodgers are happy as they move along during this interleague portion of their schedule. They start a three-game set with Oakland on Tuesday.
The Dodgers are just 38-62 overall in interleague play and 7-28 since 2005. Maybe after building such a big lead in the NL West, this is what the Dodgers need: AL teams to test them.
Los Angeles will play its next 12 games against competition from the junior circuit, including trips to Anaheim and Chicago. But the Dodgers got it going this weekend in hot, humid and uncomfortable Texas.
"It means a lot, especially when you lose the first game in their home ballpark," Torre said. "It does a lot for your confidence. I don't remember the last time we won a game before an off day. It will be nice to enjoy it tomorrow."
