The 2001 Dodgers - Game Reports

Game 3
Dodgers 7 - Cards 0

Outstanding pitching, solid defense and an offensive outbreak was the story of the day as the Dodgers improved to 2-1 on the season after bumping the Cardinals 7-0 Wednesday afternoon. The Dodgers got out of the gate early against crack lefthander Bobby (Scooter) Vriezen. Sam Markham lead off the first with an infield hit, his first of the season. Markham stole second on the first pitch to hot hitting shortstop Pete Loizzo. After retiring Loizzo, Vriezen was met with consecutive hits by Tanner Davis, Matt Weaver, and Trevor Foss. Foss was cut down at second by Vriezen while trying to advance on Aaron Kraus' throw to the plate. However, Weaver was able to score on the play putting the Dodgers up 3-0. Cam Hanson ended the bottom of the first with a screaming liner that was handled on a nifty play by slick fielding Cardinal shortstop Greg (General) Patten.

The Dodgers scored 2 more runs in the 3rd. Loizzo lead off with a walk and advanced to third on a single to right by Davis. Loizzo scored on a sacrifice fly by Matt Weaver. Davis advanced to third on the same play, and scored on Foss' second hit of the game, a single up the middle. The Dodgers finished their scoring in the 4th taking advantage of 3 walks and 2 hit batters.

Tanner Davis and Matt Weaver combined for a one hitter on the mound for the Dodgers. Weaver had his best outing ever as a Dodger striking out 5 in 3 innings of work. Aaron Kraus got the Cardinals only hit with two outs in the 6th inning. Kraus singled deep to left, but center fielder Sam Markham turned in his second stellar defensive play of the day throwing out Vriezen who was trying to advance to third after walking earlier in the inning. Earlier, Markham brought the crowd to its feet with a diving catch deep in the left-center field alley to end the Cardinal half of the 3rd.

The Dodgers will try to catch the league leading Cubs with a 6:15 game against the Braves Friday night at Little League Park.