Monday, April 13, 2009

Opening Day: Oh Dog! Hudson Leads Way as Dodgers Pound Giants

The Los Angeles Dodgers defeated the rival San Francisco Giants 11-1, their first game at Dodger Stadium this season. Orlando Hudson led the way as he hit for the cycle, the first Dodger to hit for the cycle since Wes Parker in 1970. First Hudson hit an infield-single in the first inning, then homered to put the Dodgers up 1-0 in the third. Later Hudson hit a one-run double in a six-run fourth, then tripled to get himself the rare cycle in the sixth inning. Hudson finished the game with four hits, 2 RBI's, and three runs scored. Andre Ethier did his best to catch up to the red-hot Hudson by hitting two home runs and collecting four RBI's. Russell Martin and Rafael Furcal both knocked in two runs, and Matt Kemp's single gives him an eight-game hitting streak. Manny Ramirez doubled and scored a run. Chad Billingsley pitched a gem to get the win, allowing just one run on five hits while fanning 11 with no walks. Travis Ishikawa had the Giants' only RBI, and veteran Randy Johnson was lit up, allowing seven runs in less than four innings of work.

Delwyn Young was designated for assignment in order to make room on the 40-man roster. The Dodgers have 10 days to release him, trade him, or place him on waivers. If Young can clear waivers, he can stay with the organization in the minor-leagues. However, if placed on waivers, another team claim and take him.

Blake DeWitt was sent to Triple-A Albuquerque in order to play regularly and get more at-bats. The Dodgers called up Juan Castro to take his place in the roster.

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