Los Angeles Dodgers defeated Houston Astros 6-2 yesterday to register their eighth consecutive win. Rookie right-hander John Ely gives up two runs in seven innings, while Casey Blake has a two-run double.
The 24-year-old Ely turned performed brilliantly, and Blake DeWitt and Casey Blake each had run-scoring extra-base hits, which helped Dodgers secure victory at Dodger Stadium.
The home side dominated the match from the beginning and looked in total control of the game even without the leading hitter in the National League, Andre Ethier. Ethier missed yesterday's game, his third in a row because of a broken bone in his right pinkie. But the Dodgers produced enough runs to give Ely the all-important cushion. Jeff Weaver, George Sherrill and Ramon Troncoso completed the rout in the final two innings.
"It's a lot easier to pitch with a lead. It really makes you feel good as a pitcher to have that kind of support behind you," Ely said. Ely looked little fidgety before the game as he was seen turning circles in his chair, trying to release his nervous energy. But he arrived on the ground he largely pitched circles around the Astros in the first of a two-game series.
Dodgers manager Joe Torre appeared pleased with Ely's performance and said, "He was terrific. He gave us seven innings, under 100 pitches. That's pretty good. He throws strikes and changes speed, it's not fun to hit against."
Ely had played well in the game against the Diamondbacks in Arizona last week, when he gave up two earned runs in six innings. Dodgers won that game 3-3 win. "I'm just going out there with the same game plan, trying to throw strikes and keep the ball down," Ely added.
