Dodger Stadium Has Security Issues (These Were NOT Dodger Fans) :: SportsPageMagazine.com

Dodger Stadium Has Security Issues (These Were NOT Dodger Fans) :: SportsPageMagazine.com

OPENING DAY - KERSHAW OUTLAST THE FREAK AT DODGER STADIUM

LOS ANGELES- On an unusual 92 degree day, this was perfect baseball weather, especially for Dodger Stadium and Opening Day. Two of MLB's young aces (Clayton Kershaw and Tim Lincecum aka "The Freak") took the mound as the long standing rivalry between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the World Champion San Francisco Giants showed no signs of cooling off.

Dodger pitcher Clayton Kershaw was on fire, striking out the four batters in the first two innings of play. Kershaw got himself into jam against Giants slugger Pat Burrell, however remained focused even when the count was 3-0, getting him out a few pitches later on a fly ball.

In the second inning Kershaw was unable to catch the throw by James Loney for a simple ground out play. Newest Dodger and former Giant Juan Uribe after making good on his Dodger debut, connected for a double, but then slid off the bag to be called out. James Loney grounded out at his first two at bats with runners in scoring position. But that was thanks to the outstanding pitching by Giants star Tim Lincecum, who was masterful with his throws, he looked like he hadn't missed a beat since their last victory that earned them a World Series last year.

After hitting a base hit earlier in the inning, Tim Lincecum got a little shaky as he walked Matt Kemp (which would turn out to be three times on the day). Next up Juan Uribe, who ended being hit by a pitch, that loaded the bases. Later on Giants Buster Posey who throw a ball trying to pick off Kemp got passed Giants third baseman Sandoval which allowed Kemp to make a play for home plate and score the first run of the game, 1-0 Dodgers.

Kershaw continued to pitch his way out of a tight in the fifth inning squeeze, that drew a double-play grounder after allowing a leadoff single in the sixth inning. Kershaw continued to be improssive as he threw about 13 more pitches, finishing him with a pitch count of 93. New Dodger manager Don Mattingly decided Kershaw had enough and in the eight inning brought in Kuo as mid level relief.

James Loney finally got an opportunity to drive in a run thanks to Kemp being walked earlier.

Kuo throw his first seven pitches as strikes, sitting down Giant hitters Freddie Sanchez, Andres Torres, and Aubury Huff to end the eighth inning.

Bring on the Dodger closer Johnathan Broxton who actually gave up a run to Pat Burrell, which cut the lead 2-1. Broxton settled down and ended the game on a ground out to first base. Dodgers beat the World Champion Giants 2-1.

Talking about the play that scored the first run for the Dodgers, Matt Kemp said "I saw his [Sandoval] reaction. I saw his eyes, and I knew the ball was coming. I'll take it". Kershaw had nine strike outs for the game.

Lincecum spoke about the loss "We made some key mental mistakes". "You win your first game, you won't go 0-162." said Dodger outfielder Tony Gwinn Jr.