Dodgers Sweep Giants, Open Up 6 ½ Game Lead

The San Francisco Giants fading chances to reach the post season took another hit as the N.L West leading Los Angeles Dodgers swept a three game series over the defending World Series champs August 31st—September 2nd.

Not that the games weren’t close; all three were one run victories, including a 14 inning 5-4 win in the series opener. That was followed by a pair of 2-1 wins in dominant pitching outings by Zack Greinke and Clayton Kershaw. Greinke outdueled Madison Bumgarner, allowing one run and five hits in 7 1/3 innings in Game 2 en route to his 15th win of the season against just three losses. Then in the finale, Clayton Kershaw allowed one run and six hits while striking out 15 in pitching a complete game victory. Kershaw now has 251 strikeouts, a career high for him.

Not only is San Francisco 6 ½ back in the N.L. West, the Giants are also 6 ½ games behind the Chicago Cubs for the 2nd Wild Card playoff spot. It will take one heck of a winning streak as well as a Cubs collapse for the Giants to get a chance to defend their title.