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Ortmeier helps Giants end home losing streak vs. Dodgers

Sep 8, 2007 - 6:40 AM By Ryan Leong PA SportsTicker Contributing Writer

SAN FRANCISCO (Ticker) - Dan Ortmeier helped the San Francisco Giants finally beat their archrival the Los Angeles Dodgers at home.

Ortmeier blasted the Giants' first walk-off home run of the season off Jonathan Broxton in the ninth inning to help overcome a two-homer performance by rookie James Loney in a 5-4 victory over the Dodgers on Friday.

Nate Schierholtz had two hits for the Giants, who beat the Dodgers here for the first time since August 18, 2006 - a span of 11 games.

"I had no idea," Ortmeier said. "I'm glad I didn't because sometimes you tend to think about that stuff, but it was just a great team effort tonight and a big win."

Loney tied the game at 4-4 in the ninth by hitting an 0-2 fastball from closer Brad Hennessey (3-4), who blew his fourth save of the season.

"I was just trying to get a good pitch to hit with two strikes on me and he just got the pitch up," said Loney, who recorded his second career multi-home run game. "We've been playing well lately but it's a tough loss and in the big leagues you're probably going to experience a lot of tough losses if you play long enough."

But Ortmeier answered Loney's blast with one of his own, a solo shot to right-center field off Broxton (4-3), ending the Dodgers' longest road winning streak against one team since they took 13 straight at the old Candlestick Park from August 1, 1976 to September 1, 1977.

"A great ballgame, good comeback," San Francisco manager Bruce Bochy said. "Orti got our first walk-off homer and a great job by him and a well played game by us. It's hard to believe we've lost 11 straight here and some things are hard to explain but it's good to break that streak because it was hanging over us. We all knew it, myself, the players and it's good to break it and the way we did, coming from behind."

"Its tough to put it into words right now," said Ortmeier, who pumped his right fist as he rounded the bases. "It's just a big win, a big rivalry, big series, the first game of the series. It was just a lot of fun and a great night for everyone. I try not to show a ton of emotion but it was very exciting and a lot of fun."

The loss is critical for the Dodgers (74-67), who still trail the San Diego Padres (76-65) by 2 1/2 games in the National League wild card race.

"Without a doubt we're in the position that we're not able to give away games yet we did tonight," Juan Pierre said. "You just try to take care of your business but we dug a hole a little bit, but we've got to stay within striking distance because next week we play those guys. These games definitely are important."

The tightly played contest was highlighted by great pitching until the bullpens took over.

In just his third career start, rookie Jonathan Sanchez dueled with Chad Billingsley, allowing three runs and eight hits in seven innings with five strikeouts.

However, entering the seventh, Sanchez was on the short end of a 3-1 score after allowing a go-ahead home run to Loney in the fifth and an RBI double to Matt Kemp in the sixth.

"It was my first time throwing seven innings in pro ball," Sanchez said. "I felt so good starting (in the minors) every five days and it's a different work out. It's something I want to do and (next season) I want to come to spring training ready and stay in the rotation."

Barry Bonds lead off the seventh with a single off Billingsley, which spelled the end of the night for the righthander. Billingsley, who was looking for his fourth straight win, was outstanding, allowing just two runs - one earned - and five hits in six-plus innings.

But he watched from the bench as Rafael Furcal committed an error that allowed three runs to score, giving the the Giants a 4-3 lead.

After Bonds' single, Billingsley gave way to reliever Scott Proctor and Bengie Molina reached on a throwing error by Furcal. Bonds scored on a single to left by Pedro Feliz and pinch runner Eugenio Velez scored on a groundout by Omar Vizquel to tie the game at 3-3. Randy Winn gave the Giants the lead with a single to left.

"I wanted to still be in there because my body and arm still felt good," Billingsley said. "Proctor came in and got the grounder but it wasn't handled and that's how it goes sometimes."

"It looked like (Furcal) lost his footing there," Dodgers manager Grady Little said. "It was just a messed up play all the way around. It came at a key time in the game."