The Rockies’ record book is practically Jason Jennings’ diary. Jennings (7-9, 3.48 ERA) is the franchise leader in overall victories and wins at Coors Field. If he continues on his current pace, Jennings will finish with a career high in strikeouts and a career low in walks. Even more impressive, he would set the lowest ERA by a Rockies starter, breaking Joe Kennedy’s 3.66 ERA from 2004. The Rockies, however, have lost Jennings’ past seven starts at Dodger Stadium. The Dodgers will counter with Chad Billingsley (3-3, 3.67), a 21-year-old right-hander. Since the all-star break, he is 3-1 with 2.17 ERA.
After Brad Hawpe launched his home run Monday, he fielded a question with grace about his six-week power drought.
“What, you didn’t expect me to hit another ball on the barrel all season?” he said with a smile.
Hawpe, who has pressed as much as any player since the all-star break, appears to have regained his traction. He blasted his 17th home run Wednesday, a feat more remarkable because it was his 14th home run on the road.
CARROLL RESTS: Second baseman Jamey Carroll, who did not start Wednesday, dismissed fatigue as a reason for his slump. He correctly pointed out that he has hit the ball well recently, even if the statistics suggest otherwise. What pains Carroll is the timing of his funk. “It’s frustrating, given how important these games are. You want to contribute.”
DREW LEAVES: Dodgers outfielder J.D. Drew left Wednesday’s game with a strained quadriceps. He was replaced in right field by James Loney, a first baseman by trade.
