An April Classic at the Ravine

Now that was some exciting baseball.  The MLB network called the right shot by selecting this game as it’s Saturday night telecast.

A jubilant Matt Kemp celebrates his game winning home run.  (photo by Mark J. Terrill/AP)

An ace puts up an “acelike” performance in his Dodger Stadium debut.  An up and coming rookie phenom in his first major league contest hits a scorching double, a key RBI and makes a great defensive throw that should have cut down a Dodger run at the plate.  A hard throwing reliever throws 102 MPH but is unable to harness his control and uncorks three wild pitches to surrender the lead.

Bryce Harper's sacrifice fly in the 9th looked to be a game winner, but it wasn't to be (photo by Mark J. Terrill/AP)

And finally, the best player in the universe proves it again by launching an extra-inning home run to send 54,000+ fans home in delirium.

Matt Kemp is out of this world.  The National League is foolish to pitch to him.  Just as we see him struggle for a few at bats and it looks like this marvelous April run of his may be coming to an end...he launches a heroic game winning homer.  There is a boyhood quality to his play.  There is jubilation in his gait and it’s contagious.  As much as it seems impossible that this one player can carry a team, he is accomplishing that feat.

Sure, others are contributing, but it's accurate to say that Kemp is joyously covering the bulk of the load.  2012 has been magic so far.  Dodger fans have a lot to be grateful for and on Monday the McCourt era officially ends.  Can things get any better?  I guess they can, but on this Saturday night it's good to be a Dodger fan.

photo by Mark J. Terrill/AP