The 2001 Dodgers - Game Reports

Game 19
Dodgers 16 - Cubs 2

The Dodgers made their strongest offensive showing of the year in timely fashion Wednesday night as they pounded out 14 hits, all singles, and 16 runs in a convincing 16-2 win over the Cubs. The victory put the Dodgers in the driver's seat of the National League race giving them a 2 game lead over the Cubs with 2 games to play. One Cubs loss, or a Dodger win would give the Dodgers a chance to defend their city championship title. The Dodgers finish with games against the Giants and the Phillies, both who have handed the Dodgers a loss. The Cubs end with the Braves and the Giants, teams that they have not loss to yet this year.

Dodger starter Keith Neuberger continued his mastery over the normally high powered Cub offense, holding the Cubs to 2 runs on 4 hits in 3 innings of work. The 2 runs Neuberger gave up in the 2nd inning were the only 2 he has yielded to the Cubs in the 9 innings he has pitched against them this year. Neuberger has 12 strikeouts over that same stretch.

After holding the Cubs scoreless in their half of the 1st, the Dodger offense exploded sending 15 hitters to the plate while scoring 11 runs. The first 7 Dodgers in the order hit safely and the first 8 scored during the outburst. Tanner Davis had 2 hits in the inning, Neuberger and Pete Loizzo both scored twice.

The reeling Cubs, as stunned as the many that showed to watch the battle of the National League bests, never recovered in the mercy rule shortened game. Nick Dawald drove in the decisive 2 runs in the second inning with a single to center. Dawald's 2 RBIs put the 10 run rule into effect. The Dodgers gave that lead a cushion with 3 more runs in the 3rd before Matt Weaver closed the game out for the Dodgers. The Dodgers have a chance to clinch and avoid a division playoff game in a 6:15 match-up against the Giants Friday night.