Just One to Go

The Los Angeles Dodgers closed to within one victory (or Arizona Diamondback defeat) of clinching first place in the National League West tonight. They started slow and then came back with a vengeance to defeat the San Diego Padres 12-4 at Dodger Stadium. Not only was it a great victory highlighted by home runs from Nomar Garciaparra and Manny Ramirez but it marked the return to play (in pinch hitting roles) of Jeff Kent and Rafael Furcal. I realize that this has little meaning to most folks who pass this way but baseball is at the core of life for the Cohanim.

The Ancient One did get to see about a half dozen games this season. Last night I was at the Dodgers-Padres game with son Seth and his friends Tony and Adam. We had great seats and much fun as the Dodgers cruised to a 10-1 victory highlighted by 3-run homers by Garciaparra and Blake DeWitt. Chad Billingsley was the winning pitcher and looked great. I even got a couple of decent pictures from the vantage point of our loge seat (section 158, row D) along the first base line in right field.

In the first, Nomar is heading over to cover first base on a ground ball toward second. Billingsley is turning toward the ball from the mound and Casey Blake is watching from third.

Second, we see the Dodgers congratulating each other as they head to the dugout after the victory.

Finally (but first in time), a view from the warning track in Center Field during batting practice. The Dodgers open the area to fans during the pre-game preparations.

Ah yes, the Dodgers rose to the challenge with a great finish to the season while my beloved Tigers continue to fade into oblivion in the American League Central.

As the 2008 regular season draws to its close this weekend, there is joy among the Cohanim. Seth already has tickets for the playoffs and World Series.