2013 Nissan Altima 3.5. Smart, peppy and still stylish

The Nissan Altima has long been near the top of this pack, and for good reason. Though others, especially the Optima, are well-equipped to make a break for the lead, the Altima and Accord, have long held American car buyers’ hearts. And wallets.

And while so many of the mid-sized models are shrinking their engine sizes, the Altima steps up with a big, bad 3.5 liter and 270 horses, managed by a continuously variable automatic with manual shifting mode.

The Altima will do 0-60 in 6.1, but you pay for that in mileage. At least one review put the real time MPG at an only fair 22.

But a mid-sized battle isn’t necessarily a mileage battle—there are enough smaller coupes and crossovers who’ll give you that. The Nissan Altima, like its counterparts gives you some heft and a lot of dependability. Along with some Z-like styling,  the Altima offers a roomy, smooth ride, and enough luxury accoutrements to make it worth the monthly payment.

Solid, dependable, peppy and smart. How many cars can say that?

The 2013 Buick Regal GS: positioned to lead

To do so would denote you immediately as a hack, or worse, a rookie.

But maybe one of the greatest phrases in advertising since “Got Milk?,” is, dare I say it, true.

The Regal GS is one of two Buicks we’ve driven this year, and admittedly the Regal isn’t the sassy ride that the Verano is, Buick definitely continues to break away from its stodgy history.

Positioned as an American sports sedan, the Regal GS produces 270 horses, and it’ll gallop to 60 mph in 6.7 seconds. Do you really need to do that faster?

2013 Buick Regal: A surprisingly smart idea

There are two choices of transmissions available—a six-speed manual or an automatic, and both are linked to a front wheel drive through GM’s “HiPer” strut system. The mileage is good, certainly not great— 19/27 city/highway mpg with auto or manual.

But the ability to go includes a healthy helping of stop,  like an electronic limited-slip rear differential, a lowered suspension, 19-inch wheels, performance tires and large, rock-solid Brembo brakes.

We didn’t really put this one through its paces—no sprinting, no S-curves, no heavy braking. We just drove, down to San Diego and back, and for that, the Regal was perfect.

The Regal is a solid American car, just smart enough, powerful enough, and stylish enough. It’s not a Beemer, and it doesn’t have to be. This could be a surprisingly smart choice.

The 2013 Buick Verano: A very cool idea

As one of the few American rides these days with a manual transmission, the Buick gets a high grade right out of the blocks.

We took our test model Verano on a variety of roads, from nighttime stop-and-go in Hollywood to the 5 north, and in each situation, the ride was impeccable. From the responsive Ecotec 2.0L four-cylinder turbocharged engine to the smooth and quiet ride itself, the Verano was a pleasant surprise in a lot of ways.

Let’s get some of the specs out of the way, courtesy of Buick’s own descriptions:

• Verano Turbo (Premium 1ST equipment group) includes:
  • Ecotec 2.0L four-cylinder turbocharged engine with continuously variable valve timing delivering 250 hp (187 kW) and 260 lb.-ft. (353 Nm) of torque
  • Six-speed automatic or manual transmission
  • Dual exhaust, sport pedals, rear spoiler and all standard features from the Leather (1SL) and Convenience (1SG) models, including heated leather steering wheel and seats, premium nine-speaker Bose audio system, QuietTuning and other premium features
• Buick IntelliLink is standard in all Verano models, including vehicles equipped with available GPS-enabled navigation system. Enhancements for 2013 integrate more functionality, including improved voice commands and additional SiriusXM Satellite Radio features
• Rearview camera standard on all models
• Side Blind Zone Alert and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert standard on Convenience, Leather and Premium models
• New look to OnStar buttons
• Exterior colors: Luxo Blue Metallic; Carbon Black Metallic (additional charge)

Our Luxo Blue Metallic was roomy and comfortable, and delivered power and responsiveness when called upon. Though it’s just a four-cylinder engine, the turbocharger and six-speed manual trannie can give a skilled driver a fair amount of satisfaction, as it demonstrated for us often.

Its not often that a four-door American sedan can impress as this one does. At least someone in Detroit has the right idea.

The 2013 Infiniti FX 35 with driver assist. The Mack Daddy of luxury SUVs.

Since its 2003 launch, the Infiniti FX35 was the immediate leader of the luxury SUV market. Quietly overwhelming, its dynamic presence seat it apart from the rest. Anyone can size, but you need to carry it off with style and finesse. As for the vehicle’s dimensions, the Infiniti FX35 premiered with a wheelbase of 112.2 inches, a width of 75.8 inches, a height of 65 inches (in 2006 it was increased to 65.9 inches), and an overall length of 189.1 inches.

A  number of standard Infiniti accessories have remained from the original model,like the dual-zone climate control, cruise control, xenon HID headlights, power-adjustable seats, reclining rear seats, and a six-speaker CD stereo system.

Though the FX 35 is essentially the Nissan Murano writ large, we’ve always frankly loved the Murano. So we’re good. The Infiniti FX35 is everything we like, enlarged and given a more powerful engine, transmission and sport tuning.

Our test model came with leather, navigation and something called Driver Assist, which is essentially  what it sounds likes— Lane Departure Warning and Lane Departure Prevention, an Around View Monitor that provides a simulated bird’s-eye view of the car, Distance Control Alert, and Intelligent Brake Assist with Forward Collision Warning. It runs an extra 3100 beans, but like so much technology these days, it will spoil you fast.

Breaking news from San Francisco.... Hanley Ramirez (shown here in a photograph taken at Dodger Stadium a few nights ago) limped off the field after sliding into third base in a tight game against the Giants..... Photo by Dave Blumenkrantz

The Dodgers are trying to improve on their current record of 13-13, against the Rockies who thumped them, 12-2, on Sunday. The Dodgers got even last night behind the pitching of Hyun-Jin Ryu, who also helped along the Dodger cause with an RBI of his own.

The Dodgers’ Josh Beckett pitches against Colorado’s Juan Nicasio.

First Inning:

First pitch 7:12 p.m. 68 degrees.

Top

Hi kids, we’re back, per se.

Right fielder Eric Young  reaches first on an error by shortstop Hanley Ramirez.

Fowler singles to right, moving Young to second.

Beckett is in trouble early, as the first three batters reach base.

Troy Tuliwitski doubles, scoring two runners. Dodger pitcher Beckett wishes he were anywhere else.

Michael Cuddyer flies out to right, scoring Gonzales. It’s 3-0 Colorado, and we’ve been here 12 minutes.

(Nancy Bea says, “I saw this movie on Monday…”)

Wilin Rosario actually strikes out.

Nolen Arenado is out on a great stop by Ramirez.

Colorado 3, Dodgers 0.

Bottom

Nick Punto goes to 2-2, then meekly strikes out, looking.

Hanley Ramirez goes to second on a double to right.

Adrian Gonzales homers on to right on a 2-2 pitch, scoring Ramirez. Now we have a game.

Matt Kemp strikes out.

Andre Ethier flies out to left.

Colorado 3, Dodgers 2

Second Inning

Top

Josh Rutledge singles over the head of Hanley Ramirez.

Juan Nacisio bunts, and moves Rutledge over to second.

Eric Young strikes out.

Dexter Fowler is hit by pitcher Beckett.

Carlos Gonzales goes to 3-1. There is a little meeting on the mound.

Beckett walks Gonzales to load the bases.

Tulowitski goes 0-2 with the bases loaded and 2 down.

Beckett strikes out Tulowitski, escaping a serious jam.

Bottom

A.J Ellis goes 2-0, then drops one into short right for a single.

Skip Shumaker goes 0-2, then walks to first.

Juan Uribe goes to 1-2, then flies out to short right.

Beckett hits a bouncer to the pitcher.

Colorado 3, Dodgers 2

Third Inning

Top

Michael Cuddyer flies out to deep right.

Nolen Arenado goes 1-2, then strikes out looking.

Josh Rutledge strikes out.

Colorado 3, Dodgers 2

 Bottom

Nick Punto singles to deep left.

Ramirez singles to right, and Punto goes to second.

Gonzales, who homered long ago, back in the second inning, gets robbed of his second homer by Dexter Fowler, who skies in center field to make a spectacular catch.

Matt Kemp goes 3-1, 3-2, then Ramirez steals second on the pitch. Kemp then strikes out on his own.

The Rockies intentionally walk Ethier, loading the bases.

Nick Punto sneaks home on a wild pitch, tying the score.

AJ Ellis strikes out on a full count.

Colorado 3, Dodgers 3

Fourth Inning

Top

Josh Rutledge doubles into deep left.

Eric Young reaches first.

Dexter Fowler strikes out.

Gonzales doubles, scoring Young and Rutledge.

Tulowitski strikes out.

Michael Cuddlyer flies out.

Colorado 5, Dodgers 3

Bottom

The Dodgers go 1-2-3.

Colorado 5, Dodgers 3

Fifth Inning

Top

Matt Guerrier pitching for the Dodgers.

Rosario strikes out.

Michael Cuddyer singles.

Nolen Arenado hits into a finely executed double play.

Bottom

Josh Outman pitching for Colorado.

Hanley Ramirez grounds out to first.

Adrian Gonzales flies out to short left.

Matt Kemp goes 2-0, then singles to right.

Ethier strikes out.

Colorado 5, Dodgers 3

Sixth Inning

Top

Matt Guierrer flies out to center on a running catch by Matt Kemp.

With the Rockies seemingly hitting at will, Young doubles.

Dexter Fowler strikes out.

Bottom

AJ Ellis flies out to right, after going 2-2.

Skip Shumaker strikes out.

Uribe out at first.

Seventh Inning

Top

Gonzales out at first.

Troy Tulowitski reaches first.

Michael Cuddlyer goes 2-2, then doubles in Tulowitski.

Rosario out at first.

Arenado walks the walk to first.

Arenado singles home another run.

Rutledge strikes out.

Colorado 7, Dodgers 3

Bottom

Belisle pitching for Colorado.

OK, while were away, a pinch hitter struck out.

Jerry Hairston, Jr. goes 0-2, 2-2, singles to left.

(As an indication of how things are going, Colorado at-bats are averaging 17 minutes tonight, while the Doyers are averaging 3 minutes.)

Punto goes 3-1, then hits one right at first base for an out. Hairston is caught off base.

Hanley Ramirez singles up the middle.

The phone rang up here.

Adrian Gonzales out at first.

Eighth Inning

Top

(JP Howell pitching for the Doyers.)

Young strikes out.

Fowler flies out.

Carlos Gonzales goes 2-2, then doubles to the right field corner.

Tulowitski walks to first.

Cuddlyer flies out.

Colorado 7, Dodgers 3

Bottom

Matt Kemp strikes out quick, gets it out of the way.

Ethier goes to 3-2, then grounds out to first.

(Fans are mockingly shouting, “We want tacos!”)

AJ Ellis doubles to deep left.

Skip Schumaker goes 1-1, …then strikes out.

Colorado 7, Dodgers 3

Ninth Inning

Top

Javy Guerra now pitching for the Dodgers.

Rafael Betancourt pitching for Colorado.

Rosario goes to 3-1, 3-2, then sits down. Comfortably, I’m sure.

Rutledge goes 0-2, 2-2, 3-2, then walks.

Reed Brignac, pinch-hitting, strikes out.

Young flies out to left.

Colorado 7, Dodgers 3

Bottom

Luis Cruz goes 1-2, 2-2, then slinks away.

Hairston Jr. leaves quietly.

Punto goes 1-2, 2-2, then everyone gets up and goes home.

Final: Colorado 7, Dodgers 3

It’s a day to honor Jackie Robinson, the first African-American player to play in the major leagues. All players in the major leagues will wear his number, 42, tonight.

Actor Harrison Ford, who played Branch Rickey in the new biopic, “42,” threw out the first pitch this evening (in the dirt, but still…).

Laker/UCLA great Kareem Abdul-Jabbar began tonight’s game with the “It’s time for Dodger Baseball!” call.

Chad Billingsley (1-0) will face Eric Stults (1-1).

Dodger attendance: 52,136.

First Inning

Top

Everth Cabrera hits the first pitch for a single.

Will Venable sacrifices Cabrera to second.

Yonder Alonso files out to center.

San Diego-0, Dodgers 0

Bottom

Carl Crawford gets on base with a single.

Mark Ellis singles to short left field.

Matt Kemp flies out to short right field.

Adrian Gonzales flies out to short stop.

AJ Ellis goes to 3-2, and there is a chat on the mound.

AJ Ellis walks, loading the bases.

Andre Ethier strikes out looking, and the Dodgers leave two runners searching for meaning.

San Diego-0, Dodgers 0

Second Inning

Top

Jedd Gyorko grounds out to first.

Alexi Amarista goes to 3-2, then singles.

John Baker flies out to right field.

Cameron Maybin gets aboard with a single, moving Amarista.

Eric Stults hits his first major league home run, and San Diego scoots out ot a 3-0 lead.

San Diego-3, Dodgers 0

Bottom

Luis Cruz flies out to short center.

Justin Sellers (1 for 16 so far at home), goes 2-2, grounds out to first. (1 for 17.)

Pitcher Chad Billingsley strikes out.

Third Inning

Top

Will Venable strikes out.

Yonder Alonso strkes out

Kyle Blanks reaches first with a blooper to center.

Jedd Gyorko thrown out at first, ending the inning.

San Diego-3, Dodgers 0

Bottom

Carl Crawford singles over third base.

Mark Ellis flies out to left.

Matt Kemp singles to left.

Adrian Gonzales doubles, scoring Kemp.

Andre Ethier flies out to left, stranding Gonzales and Crawford.

San Diego-3, Dodgers 1

Fourth inning

Top

Alexi Amarista singles to short right.

Billingsley gives up a walk to Baker.

With two runners on, and no outs, gets Maybin to hit into a double play.

Stults goes to 1-2, with Amarista leaning in from third, and then strikes out. And not in a good way.

Bottom

Luis Cruz singles.

Justin Sellers is now one for 18 at home.

Chad Billingsley is trying to bunt; gets to 1-2, 2-2, then bunts, sacrificing Cruz to second.

Carl Crawford singles home Luis Cruz.

Mark Ellis flies out to right.

San Diego-3, Dodgers-2

Fifth Inning

Top

Everth Cabrera goes down swinging and hopping.

Will Venable flies out to Matt Kemp in deep center.

Yonder Alonso whacks a double down the third base line.

Jedd Gyorko strikes out, stranding Alonso.

San Diego 3, Dodgers 2

Bottom

Matt Kemp doubles to lead off the inning.

Adrian sacrifices Kemp to third.

AJ Ellis goes to 3-2, then singles to right, scoring Kemp.

Eric Stults is called for a balk., moving Ellis to second.

Andre Ethier flies out to right.

Luis Cruz flies out to short center.

San Diego 3, Dodgers 3

Sixth Inning

Top

Jedd Gyorko singles to left.

Alexi Amarista flies out to third.

John Baker hits in to a double play, ending the inning.

Bottom

Justin Sellers (1 for 18), flies out. (1 for 19).

Nick Punto, batting for Billingsley, flies out.

Carl Crawford, grounds out to first.

Seventh Inning

Top

Ronalds Belisario is in to pitch for the Dodgers. San Diego has runners on first and third, with the score tied and no one out. Cabrera twice tries to bunt. He goes to 1-2, 2-2, 3-2, then gets walked to load the bases.

There is a cocktail party on the mound. Mattingly takes the ball from Belisario. Paco Rodriguez is now in to pitch for LA.

Chris Denofria takes the count to 3-2, then gets a walk from Rodriguez which scores a run.

A double play can’t prevent another run, and its 5-3, San Diego.

Kyle Blank grounds out to first to mercifully end the inning.

San Diego 5, Dodgers 3

Bottom

Mark Ellis singles to center.

Matt Kemp strikes out.

Adrian Gonzales goes 1-1, then hits into a double play.

San Diego 5, Dodgers 3

Eighth Inning

Top

Jedd Gyrko goes 2-2, then walks, as the Dodger pitching goes on a staycation.

Amarista out at first.

Baker goes 1-1, 1-2, then strikes out.

Cameron Maybin is thrown out at first.

Bottom

AJ Ellis reaches first.

Andre Ethier goes to 3-2, then walks.

Luis Cruz is up, runners on first and second. He fouls off a bunt attempt. He lays down a sacrifice bunt to move the runners to second and third.

Skip Shumacher is in to hit for Sellers. He hits into a double play to end the inning.

San Diego 5, Dodgers 3

Ninth Inning

Top

Mark Kotsay goes to 3-2, then grounds out to first.

Everth Cabrera is at 3-2, foul, foul, and then strolls to first.

Another conference on the mound.

Josh Wall pitching for the Dodgers.

Denofria goes to 3-2, then singles. Runners on first and third.

Yonder Alonso gets walked intentionally.

Kyle Blanks sacrifices in another run.

Gyorko flies out.

San Diego 6, Dodgers 3

Bottom

Huston Street pitching for San Diego.

Jerry Hairston Jr.goes to 2-2, then singles to center.

(Loyal fans continue to chant “Let’s go Dodgers!” You gotta appreciate that.)

Carl Crawford flies out to left.

Mark Ellis gets to first on a fielders’ choice. Two down.

Ellis strolls to second. It’s called “defensive indifference.”

Matt Kemp flies out to end the game.

Final: San Diego 6, Dodgers 3

Its the second game of a three-game home stand here at the Ravine. The Dodger stopped the Pirates last night 3-0, with a great pitching performance by Jack Greinke. Clayton Kershaw is on the mound tonight against the Pirates’ A.J. Burnett.

Attendance: 39,446

First Inning

Starling Marte hits the first pitch of the game for a single.

Neil Walker grounds out.

Andrew McCutchen flies out to right.

Bottom

Carl Crawford reaches first.

Mark Ellis goes 0-2,…..

(Carl Crawford easily steals second.)

Ellis gets t0 2-2, then strikes out.

Matt Kemp takes the count to 2-1, then finally, swings at air.

Adrian Gonzales out at first.

Dodgers 0-Pirates 0

Second Inning

Top

Former Dodger/Yankee Russell Martin out at first.

Pedro Alvarez is so struck out.

Jose Tabata goes to 2-2, then goes to his dark place.

Dodgers 0-Pirates 0

Top

Andre Ethier out at first.

AJ Ellis goes to 1-2, then grounds out to first.

Luis Cruz looks at two pitches, 1-1, then sends out a foul to just below the press box; goes to 2-2, then flies out deep to center.

Third Inning

top

Clint Barnes flies out to deep left.

Pitcher AJ Burnett grounds out to first.

Starling Marte—with one of the coolest names in baseball this side of Hunter Pence—goes to 1-2, 2-2, then strikes out 2-3.

Bottom

Heavily tatooed shortstop Justin Sellers, whose errant throw on Wednesday cost the Dodgers two runs, flies out deep to center field.

Clayton Kershaw flies out to right.

Carl Crawford reaches first when Clint Barnes cant handle his grounder.

(Carl Crawford steals second. Again.)

Mark Ellis goes to 3-2, then singles to left, scoring Crawford.

Matt Kemp goes to 1-2, then Ellis steals second, the Dodgers’ third theft of the game.

Kemp strikes out looking to end the inning.

Fourth Inning

Top

Neil Walker thrown out at first.

Andrew McCutchen swings fruitlessly.

SOmething else happened.

Dodgers 1-Pirates 0

Bottom

The Dodgers made a lot of noise this inning, but we are still at the same score.

(We’re building a quick photo gallery for you. We’ll be back.)

Fifth Inning

Top

The Pirates go Ssshhh, as Kershaw stays in command.

Bottom

We’re back. Kershaw goes to 3-2, then walks.

Crawford strikes out.

As does the Mark, the other Ellis.

Kemp goes down.

Sixth Inning

Top

Clint Barnes out at first.

AJ Burnett strikes out.

Starling Marte gets himself to first.

Neil Walker (again?) goes 2-0, then flies out to center.

That’s a quick photo gallery from our shooter Dave Blumenkrantz.

We went down into the stands for a bit.

Dodgers holding a 1-0 lead in the bottom of the 6th, Gonzales on second, Ethier on first. One out.

AJ Ellis singles, to load the bases.

Luis Cruz goes 1-1, then flies out to short left.

Justin Sellers successfully ends the Dodger threat by grounding out.

Seventh Inning

Top

Andrew McCutchen makes no difference.

Gaby Sanchez is also futile

Russell Martin gets himself walked. It’s Kershaw’s first, but there is a discussion on the mound.

Pedro Alvarez goes 2-1, then Martin gets caught stealing.

Seventh Inning S  t  r  e  t  c  h….

Bottom

Mark Melancon in to pitch for the Pirates.

Skip Shumacher  batting for Kershaw.

Carl Crawford singles.

Mark Ellis singles.

Matt Kemp hits into a double play on the very first pitch he gets.

Eighth Inning

Paco Rodriquez in to pitch.

Pedro Alvarez strikes out 2-3

Kenley Jansen in to pitch.

Garrett Jones flies out to short.

Bottom

Gonzales doubles to center.

Ethier flies out to deep center.

AJ Ellis gets a full count, then strolls to first base on a walk.

Luis Cruz strikes out.

With two on, Justin Sellers, he of the tattooed arms, no hits and errant throws, breaks a bat, goes to 0-2, 1-2, once again strikes out to end the inning, and quash a Dodger threat.

Ninth Inning

Top

Starling Marte flies out.

Neil Walker, well, walks.

Andrew Mccutcheon grounds out.

Final: LA 1, Pirates 0

Game time 3:02. Winning pitcher: Kershwaw. Losing pitcher Burnett

The Dodgers (1-2) face off against the Pittsburgh Pirates (1-2) tonight. The Dodgers have actually beaten the Pirates at Dodger stadium six times in a row, but every game is a new game.

The Dodgers will say “Wattup?” to Russell Martin catching behind the plate for the Pirates. He served time as a Yankee last season.

The Dodgers are hoping for just a little more heat from center fielder Matt Kemp, who is hitless so far this season. OK, it’s game time.

7: 11 p.m. start. 64 degrees.

First Inning

Top

Starling Marte (.182), the Pirates youngest player, grounds out to first.

Neil Walker flies out to left.

Andrew McCutcheon flies out to center.

No score.

Bottom:

Carl Crawford goes down looking.

Mark Ellis flies out to the catcher.

Matt Kemp, hitless so far, goes 3-0, then flies out to shallow right.

LA 0-Pirates-0

Second Inning

Top

Pedro Alvarez grounds out to first.

Russell Martin takes the count full, then grounds to first.

Garrett Jones reaches first on a bobbled ground to Mark Ellis.

Travis Snider grounds to first.

LA 0-Pirates-0

Bottom

Adrian Gonzales flies out on a foul down the third base line.

Andre Ethier homers to the right field bleachers.

AJ Ellis flies out.

LA 1-Pirates-0

Second Inning

Top

The Pirates go 1-2-3. La la la.

Bottom

Pitcher Zach Greinke reaches first on an error by Walker.

Crawford singles, as Greinke gets caught headed to second.

Crawford shot down stealing second, ending the inning.

Third Inning

Top

Sterling Marte flies out.

Neil Walker goes to 2-2, 3-2, then strikes out.

McCutchen goes 1-2, 2–2, then strikes out looking.

Bottom

Mark Ellis out at first

Matt Kemp continues his hitless streak, hitting one hard to third base, but he gets shot down at first.

Adrian Gonzales singles to left.

Luis Cruz hits one right at second base, where Gonzales gets tagged out.

(Um, we lost an inning somewhere…)

Fifth Inning

Top

Russell Martin flies out.

Garrett Jones shot down at first base.

Travis Snider flies out to Luis Cruz at third.

LA 1-Pirates-0

Bottom

Andre Ethier goes down swinging.

AJ Ellis bangs out a double.

Justin Sellers flies out.

Zack Grienke singles to left.

Carl Crawford goes to 2-2, then strikes out, ending the Dodger threat.

Sixth Inning

Top

Clint Barnes goes to 3-2, then flies out to first.

Pitcher Jonathan Sanchez goes down swinging.

Starling Marte strikes out.

LA 1-Pirates-0

Botom

Mark Ellis walks to first.

Matt Kemp’s first hit of the season, a double, scores a run, as Ellis scores.

Adrian Gonzales goes 2-2, then doubles to deep right, scoring Kemp.

(Pittsburgh bringing in a new pitcher…Jeanmar Gomez)

Luis Cruz singles as Gonzales is tagged out, going to third.

Andre Ethier flies out.

Seventh Inning

Top

Neil Walker flies out to first.

McCutchen singles to short center

Paco Rodriguez in to pitch for the Dodgers

McCutchen tagged out, trying to steal second.

Pedro Alvarez moves the air around, to no avail.

LA 3, Pirates 0

AJ Ellis out at first.

Justin Sellers out at first.

(Nick Punto batting for the pitcher)

Punto goes, 1-2, 2-2, 3-2, then grounds to first.

Dodgers 3, Pirates 0

Eighth Inning

Top

Kenley Jansen in to pitch for LA

Russell Martin goes to 3-2, then walks.

Garrett Jones creates a breeze on his way back to the dugout.

Travis Snider takes two strikes, goes to 2-2, then strikes out.

Josh Harrison flies out to Matt Kemp.

LA 3

Bottom

Carl Crawford grounds out to first.

Mark Ellis takes the count to 3-2, then singles to left.

Matt Kemp singles to first, as Ellis is tagged going to second.

Gonzales flies out to the pitcher.

LA 3, Pittsburgh 0

Ninth Inning

Top

Jose Tabata hitting for Jeanmar Gomez

Tabata goes to 2-2, then flies out.

Starling Marte strikes out.

Final LA-3, Pittsburgh 0

The Dodgers and the Gigantes face off tonight in the rubber match of their series. Last night’s game was marked by a masterful pitching performance by Gigantes pitcher Madison Bumgarner, who shut down the Dodgers 3-0.

Tonight Josh Beckett will face the Giants’ Tim Lincecum.

First Inning

Bottom

The top of the Giants order—Angel Pagan, Marco Scutaro, and Pablo Sandoval—goes quietly, one, two three.

Bottom

Carl Crawford leads off with a single.

Skip Schumaker walks.

Matt Kemp sacrifices to center, moving Crawford to third. Carl Crawford dashes home on a passed ball.

Luis Cruz strikes out.

LA 1, Giants 0

Second Inning

Bottom

Buster Posey, who is magic against the Dodgers, singles to first.

Hunter Pence hits into a double play.

Third Inning

Top

Okay, we lost our connection a second. The Dodger implosion has begun early. The Giants have taken a 2-1 lead. The Giants seem to really have the Dodgers’ number, as they did all last season.

OK, we’re at Marco Scutaro, who takes the count to 1-2, and there is now a chat on the mound. Scutaro flies out.

The ever-dangerous Pablo Sandoval hits one into the right field bleachers, to give San Francisco a 4-1 lead. (Nothing is going right tonight. Poor wifi connections and several announcers microphones have failed tonight.)

Buster Posey  walks and the skies darken. It’s a poor performance so far for Beckett. (Organist Nancy Headley just played “Roll to Me” by Del Amitri for me!)

SF 4 -LA 1

Bottom

The Giants pitching continues to quiet the Dodgers, who go quietly in the third.

Fourth Inning

Top

Dodger defense disappoints as Hector Sanchez singles past first base. The Dodgers end the inning on a double play.

SF 4 -LA 1

Fifth Inning

Bottom

We’ve had a host of technical problems tonight. Here in the bottom of the fifth, the Giants hold a 4-1  lead, with strong and steady pitching. The Dodgers meanwhile have botched easy defensive plays and their bats have gone silent.

Matt Kemp, hitless so far, walks to lead off the bottom of the 5th.

Adrian Gonzales reaches first on a bobbled ball to first base. Kemp goes to second.

Andre Ethier sacrifices Kemp to third.

Luis Cruz brings Kemp home on a sacrifice, for one more run.

Juan Uribe walks, putting runners on first and second with two outs.

AJ Ellis flies out.

SF 4, LA 2.

Sixth Inning

Top

Pablo Sandoval goes to 0-2, 1-2, then grounds out to first.

Buster Posey, flawless last season and so far this season against the Dodgers, finally strikes out.

Hunter Pence goes 1-1, 2-1, then homers to right. And the damage continues.

Hector Sanchez grounds to first.

AJ Ellis flies out.

SF 5, LA 2.

Bottom

Beckett is so done. Mark Ellis in to bat, and he drops a bloop single into left.

Carl Crawford singles up the middle, moving Ellis to second.

Skip Schumaker goes 1-1,1-2, then gets hit in the back by a pitch, loading the bases.

George Kontos in to pitch for the Giants.

Matt Kemp, in his first test of the season, sacrifices Ellis  and Crawford home. Kemp is still officially hitless, but it’s 5-3 Giants now.

Javier Lopez now in to pitch for the Giants.

Adrian Gonzales goes 0-2, 1-2, 3-2, then goes down looking.

SF 5, LA 3.

Seventh Inning

Top

JP Howell in to pitch for the Dodgers. He sends the Gigantes out to the field quietly.

Bottom

Andre Ethier doubles deep to right.

Luis Cruz flies out east of first base.

Juan Uribe flies out.

AJ Ellis flies out.

SF 5, LA 3.

Eighth Inning

Top

Angel Pagan grounds out to first.

Marco Scutaro strikes out.

Chad Gaudin in to pitch for the Gigantes.

Mark Ellis flies out to right.

Carl Crawford shot down at first.

Nick Punto, in to pitch for Howell,  goes 1-2, then drops a single to left.

Matt Kemp goes to 0-2, 1-2, then strikes out on a check swing, extending his miserable start to the season.

Ninth Inning

Top

Brandon League in to pitch for the Dodgers.

Buster Posey reaches first on a bad throw by Gonzales.

Hunter Pence goes 2-2, then hits into a double play, one of only a few successful Dodger defensive efforts tonight.

Nick Noonan grounds out to First.

Bottom

Adrian Gonzales flies out to deep center.

Andre Ethier flies out.

Luis Cruz flies out.

The Dodgers strand 12 runners, fail to execute simple defensive plays, and under exceed this season’s expectations yet again. They deserved to lose this one.

Final: SF 5-LA 3