If you read my last post, you know I predicted that the Dodgers would lose last night. Madison Bumgarner just seemed better and proved it last night. The Dodgers had two chances to change it near the end, but they couldn’t come through.

I was hoping Mr. Clutch Andre Ethier would hit a grand slam…but alas, I guess that only works in the bottom of the ninth for him.

Also, again in the ninth, I knew that unless Andre Ethier hit a homerun to tie it, that Casey Blake probably wasn’t going to get it done. I like Casey a lot, but he is way streaky and he definitely isn’t in a streak right now.  Andre Ethier walked, Casey Blake struck out and the game was over.

The one bright spot I noticed last night was Matt Kemp. I have a hunch he is going to turn things around and the fact that he had 3 singles really said something. Similarly on the Giants side, Pablo Sandoval finally seems to have found his swing back. Both of those players should be fun to watch for the next 2 games.

Tonight Tim Lincecum versus Clayton Kershaw.  I’m not holding my breath for the Dodgers, but it should be a good pitchers match up.  It will most likely come down to the bullpen, so here’s hoping it doesn’t come down to George Sherrill.  I found it ironic for him that he battled at the end and got the out, but he still gave up an early walk that came around to score.  If he does pull this season out, give full credit to Joe Torre to sticking with him.  He definitely has been a different guy than last year.

Anybody seen Manny lately?  Yeah, me neither.  I wondered if he would put something together this summer since this is a contract year for him…but injuries just keep getting him.  The Dodgers definitely have lost money on him at this point.

Go Blue.

Thank the Lord for the Giants. I’m hoping this series works out like the last ones because that St. Louis series was ugly. Don’t get me started on how the Dodgers will do in the post season if they can’t win one game on the road against the Cardinals. The bullpen is really hurting right now.

Here are my picks for the next three games. It could be really good or really bad for both teams as both have been on the skids of late.

James McDonald vs Madison Bumgarner

I give this one to the new Giants rookie.  McDonald is fresh out of the shoots and I don’t know if he will have it yet.

Clayton Kershaw vs. Tim Lincecum

I have to give this one to Lincecum.  He’s too hot again.  Kershaw should bounce back fine, but I don’t know that he can get the win.

Chad Billingsley vs. Barry Zito

I give this one to Billingsley.  He’s due for a win here and I’m not as confident in Zito any more.

I give these predictions, but especially in the first two games, it could come down to the bullpen.  Broxton has been shaky of late as a middle reliever, so he could go back to the old Broxton of not being able to beat the Giants.  If he can only work 3 batters, he may be all right.

Tonight’s game is on the network channels, so it should be a good time.  Go Dodgers.