Game Recap #1: Los Angeles Dodgers @ Seattle Mariners

Jerry Hairston, Jr. had a career day at the plate for the Los Angeles Dodgers today, tallying 5 RBIs in an 8-3 victory over the Seattle Mariners. Just one day after the Boys in Blue managed no hits against Kevin Millwood and the Seattle bullpen, they exploded for 14 today, with Hairston leading the way. His first one made an early impact, as he sent a ball over the left field scoreboard for a three-run home run in the first inning. Another person having a big day today was Los Angeles starter Clayton Kershaw, who fanned 12 Mariners and was his usual all-around effective self to make sure the offense held up. His counterpart, Jason Vargas did not fare as well, struggling early in the first inning and not getting into his better-than-average form throughout the game, ending with a line reading six innings, nine hits and a walk to produce five runs, all earned. He struck out three. Hairston remained a vital part of the lineup, contributing two more RBI doubles in addition to his long ball, one in the third inning off of Vargas that went very close to the left field wall, and another in the eighth inning off of Shawn Kelley near the warning track in right center. Seattle's offense came from a three-run home run by Miguel Olivo in the fourth inning, which he sent over the wall in left-center field. Other offensive contributions for Los Angeles came from James Loney, who hit a shallow single in the third inning that finished Hairston's trip in that frame, Elian Herrera, who hit into a fielder's choice to drive in Tony Gwynn, Jr., and Juan Rivera, whose sacrifice fly brought in Dee Gordon. Gordon was in position for this run after a stolen base, his second of the night. However he also had a pair of something else. The Dodgers speedster grounded into two double plays which is rare indeed. MVP honors for the game go to Hairston here, whose big day certainly paced the Dodgers to an easy win, although not as easy as it may seem considering what was done to them on Friday night.