The 2001 Dodgers - Game Reports

Game 21
Phillies 2 - Dodgers 1

The Dodgers dropped the season finale to the Phillies 2-1 Tuesday night in a game that seemed to have a fateful ending. The Phillies also won the season series against the Dodgers beating the Dodgers 2 out of 3 this year; all 3 games were decided by 1 run.

Matt Weaver was the early star for the Dodgers. Weaver started the game by striking out leadoff man Jon Zillman. He then gave up a single to Matt McCulloch before Jordan Rave was safe on an error. Weaver then retired the next 8 Phillies on strikes. Phillie starter Matt McCulloch wasn't quite as dominant, but held the Dodgers in check allowing only 1 runner to get as far as second base.

Cam Hanson retired the Phillies in order on the 4th and pitched out of a bases loaded jam in the 5th as the game went into the final frame tied 0-0. In the Dodger half of the 6th, Keith Neuberger was hit by a pitch with 1 out. Brian Crawford the grounded down the 3rd base line and the ball was thrown away at first. Neuberger came around to score on the only Phillie error of the game.

Jon Zillman led off the Phillie 6th with a long double to right center. Matt McCulloch, who was victimized by a walk off homerun by Sam Markham in game 2 of the series, returned the favor in his final little league at bat by hitting an inside the park home run to right field to give the Phillies the victory.

It was the Dodgers first game since losing shortstop Pete Loizzo to a season ending injury. Loizzo broke his collarbone in a biking accident. The Dodgers will have to re-group as they head into the city championship series next week. Their opponent in the series will be determined in a playoff game between the Yankees and the A's Friday night at 5:00 at Little League Park.