Dodgers rally for 6-1 win over Rockies

By The Associated Press
August 28, 2011

LOS ANGELES — Aaron Miles scored the tying run on a balk by Esmil Rogers, and James Loney and Matt Kemp followed a second balk with consecutive homers in a six-run seventh inning to lead the Los Angeles Dodgers to a 6-1 victory over the Colorado Rockies on Friday night.

Before their rally, the bankrupt Dodgers got what was perhaps their best bit of news in a dreary season when Hall of Fame announcer Vin Scully told television viewers that he will return to the broadcast booth for his record 63rd year in 2012.

"After a lot of soul searching and a few prayers, we've decided that we will come back with the Dodgers for next year," said Scully, who turns 84 in November. "God's been awfully good to me, allowing me to do the things I love to do. I asked him for one more year at least and he said OK."

Ted Lilly (8-13) allowed one run and three hits in seven innings, struck out five and walked one to win for the first time since July 29 against Arizona. The only run that came off the left-hander was Carlos Gonzalez's 24th homer on the first pitch with two outs in the first inning.

Rogers (6-3) took a four-hitter and a 1-0 lead into the seventh before the Dodgers loaded the bases with no one out. Andre Ethier tried to score on a fly ball to centre by Jamey Carroll, but was tagged out by Elizer Alfonzo after running through third base coach Tim Wallach's stop sign.

Lilly was pinch-hit for by Tony Gwynn Jr., who was intentionally walked. Miles, the runner at third, faked as if he was going home, causing Rogers to balk for the first time this season.

Rogers threw up his arms in anger and manger Jim Tracy came out to argue with third base umpire Bob Davidson to no avail. Justin Sellers followed with a two-run single that chased Rogers.

Matt Reynolds picked off Sellers at first as he made a break for second, but also was called for a balk by plate umpire Hunter Wendelstedt, who ejected Tracy in the ensuing argument.

Loney followed with his seventh homer, a two-run shot to centre field, and Kemp followed with his 30th homer, making him the second Dodger to reach 30 homers and 30 stolen bases, joining Raul Mondesi, who did it in 1997 and 1999.

NOTES: Dodgers RHP Kenley Jansen made his first appearance since July 26 when he was hospitalized after that game with an irregular heartbeat. He allowed two hits over two scoreless innings. … The game was delayed by 10 minutes because the umpires arrived late after being stuck behind a fatal freeway accident. … RHP Huston Street returned to Colorado's bullpen Friday after coming off the disabled list, along with RHP Matt Lindstrom. Tracy said RHP Rafael Betancourt would remain the team's closer for now. The Rockies optioned relievers J.C. Romero and Josh Roenicke to Triple-A Colorado Springs to make room on the roster. … Gonzalez's homer extended his hitting streak to 13 games and gave him 10 in a row with an RBI, tying a club record. … The Dodgers opened a stretch of 24 games in 24 days Friday that concludes Sept. 18 at home. … Colorado's Kevin Millwood (1-1) faces the Dodgers' Chad Billingsley (10-10) in Saturday afternoon's game.

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