In theory, a long
homestand is a chance for a team to pile up some points for rainy days later in the season.
While manager Grady Little conceded the amped-up running game is partially the result of a lull in run production during the club's just- completed
homestand, it also is a product of having more speed in the lineup than the Dodgers have had in recent seasons.
The Ducks' 4-2 victory in front of an announced 12,286 at the Pond mimicked Tampa Bay's success and gave the Ducks (14-14-5) a winning start to a three-game
homestand.
Behind sturdy play in front of backup rookie goalie Ilya Bryzgalov, Anaheim took the first four games of the five-game
homestand.
Matchup: Thanks to backup goalie Ilya Bryzgalov and a recent scoring binge, this
homestand has the Ducks (11-11-4) looking to inch over .
But all was well when the Dodgers answered with a five-game winning streak and had a chance to finish their
homestand with a sweep of the Astros.
OAKLAND -- Dodgers shortstop Cesar Izturis might be activated from the disabled list for the first time this season as early as Tuesday, when the Dodgers open a six-game
homestand.
He is sitting out the final two games of this week's series with Atlanta, which ends tonight, then will rejoin the club when it opens a seven- game
homestand Thursday.
Saturday's game, which ended with a fireworks show to celebrate Chivas de Guadalajara's 100th anniversary, was the first of a four-match
homestand for Chivas, which trails Colorado by two points for the third of four playoff spots.
Since getting a more accurate diagnosis on his injury during the last
homestand, Erstad has received two more cortisone injections in the area, and they have calmed the irritation.
MIAMI -- Dodgers second baseman Jeff Kent is expected to return from the 15-day disabled list in time for Monday night's
homestand opener with Colorado.
CINCINNATI -- Dodgers second baseman Jeff Kent has suffered a minor setback in his attempt to return from a left oblique strain and probably won't be back before the club begins a 10-game
homestand on Monday night against Colorado.
