Freezing in Filly

It’s cold outside, but the sun is shining and as Ernie Banks would say, "Let’s play two."

Lineup for game one is the same as yesterday. Furcal, Cruz, Drew, Kent, Loney, Mueller, Repko, Navarro, Lowe.

For Game 2, Kent will get the game off and Martinez will play second base. Cruz will move to center field and Ricky Ledee will get the start in left field. Sandy Alomar Jr. will catch the second game of the double header.

Tomorrow, Grady said that if all goes as planned, Martinez will play third and give Bill Mueller the day off. J.D. Drew will also get the day off and Cody Ross will get the start, as will Olmedo Saenz in place of James Loney.

Here are some notes on double headers and Fernandomania.

DOUBLE DIP HISTORY – The Dodgers have not played a double header since Aug. 25, 2000 at Chicago when they won both games against the Cubs. The Dodgers’ last double header in Philadelphia was July 15, 1994 when the two teams split a twin bill at Veteran’s Stadium. In fact, splits seem to be the norm, as the Dodgers are 3-3-10 in their last 16 double dips.

SEEING DOUBLE – Though the Dodgers have not played a twin bill in more than five years, the phenomenon is not that rare. Since 1990, they have played 16 double headers, including three in 1991 and four in 1992. The 1992 double dips were due to the riots in Los Angeles from April 30 – May 3, which postponed a three-game series against Montreal and one game against the Phillies. The Dodgers proceeded to play four double headers in a span of six days, including three straight days against the Expos from July 6-8, 1992 at Dodger Stadium.

DOUBLE DUTY FOR NEWK – The last Dodger pitcher to start both games of a double header was Don Newcombe on Sept. 6, 1960 at Philadelphia’s Connie Mack Stadium. In the first game, Newcombe blanked the Phillies, 2-0. Newcombe pitched seven innings in the second game and received a no-decision in the Dodgers’ 3-2 victory.

…AND A LITTLE CHILD SHALL LEAD THEM – Today marks the 25th anniversary of the start of Fernandomania. On this date in 1981, Fernando Valenzuela made an Opening Day start in place of Jerry Reuss (both men are now Dodger broadcasters). Valenzuela responded with a complete game shutout and sparked an international phenomenon en route to a world championship. Coincidentally, that game came on the fifth birthday of another Mexican Dodger, Oscar Robles, who turns 30 today. Robles is 4-for-11 this year for Triple-A Las Vegas.

4 comments

  1. dodgerduke27@gmail.com

    Double check your notes. I’m almost positive the Dodgers played a double header in late April 2002 at Wrigley Field in Chicago.

    The postponed game was the day after Odalis Perez’ near-perfect game, which was the night my grandfather died. I remember it being fitting that the game was rained out on the morning he died.

  2. kssparkuhl@cableone.net

    Boy… it sure is a good thing we have all the extra pitching we have. Gotta love the bullpen… if not for them we might only have one loss this year.

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    Today, while I was at work, my sister stole my apple
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