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Dodgers strike back in Game 3

L.A. scores five runs in first; benches clear after Kuroda's pitch

Associated Press

October 13, 2008

LOS ANGELES - Tired of getting brushed back in the National League Championship Series, Manny Ramirez and the Los Angeles Dodgers came out ready to fight their way back against Philadelphia.

Blake DeWitt's bases-loaded triple off Jamie Moyer capped a five-run first inning, and the feisty Dodgers beat the Phillies, 7-2, in a testy game last night to trim Philadelphia's lead to 2-1 in the best-of-seven series.

The benches and bullpens emptied in the third moments after Dodgers starter Hiroki Kuroda threw a pitch over Shane Victorino's head, with an angry Ramirez barking at the Phillies during the dust-up.

But there were no punches or ejections, and Los Angeles played with poise all night.

"We needed to get the momentum back," catcher Russell Martin said. "I think we did that."

Kuroda pitched effectively into the seventh for the Dodgers, who will try to even the series tonight. Game 1 loser Derek Lowe, working on three days' rest, will face Philadelphia's Joe Blanton.

Kuroda buzzed Victorino in an apparent try to retaliate for Brett Myers throwing behind Ramirez in Game 2. Plate umpire Mike Everitt immediately warned both teams, and Victorino shouted at Kuroda while pointing at his own head and upper body as if to say: "It's OK to throw at my body, but not my head."

Victorino grounded out to first baseman Nomar Garciaparra and then exchanged words with Kuroda near the bag. Both dugouts cleared and the bullpens followed.

"Someone was bound to get hit. The situation called for it. Just don't throw at my head," Victorino said afterward.

Dodgers third base coach Larry Bowa and Phillies first base coach Davey Lopes appeared to be two of the angriest participants in the near-scuffle, yelling at each other before the teams cleared the field. Ramirez came in from left field and had to be restrained by teammates, manager Joe Torre and an umpire.

"It wasn't at his head; it was over his head," Martin said. "We're just trying to make a statement; it's part of the game. Manny looked a little more steamed than I was."

Myers threw behind Ramirez in the first inning of Game 2 on Friday, and Martin was brushed back as well. The soft-tossing Moyer hit Martin with a pitch in the first inning last night, and reliever Clay Condrey knocked down the Dodgers' catcher in the second.

Martin was hit in the seventh on a curveball by Chad Durbin, drawing boos and prompting Ramirez to climb to the top step of the dugout. But Martin took first base without any trouble.

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Dodgers strike back in Game 3

L.A. scores five runs in first; benches clear after Kuroda's pitch

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Dodgers strike back in Game 3

L.A. scores five runs in first; benches clear after Kuroda's pitch

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