By Jon Weisman
The worst fears about Scott Kazmir were both realized and replaced tonight.
After allowing four singles (and two runs) to the first five Marlins he faced, Kazmir went on to shut out Miami for the remainder of his six innings.
Throwing 113 pitches, his most since September 11, 2014, Kazmir finished with six strikeouts, retiring 16 of the final 21 batters he faced, including a 4-6-3 double play to end the top of the sixth.
The effects of Kazmir’s left thumb/wrist ailment were seen most when he came to the plate, where he did no more than show bunt, even with no runners on base.
Unfortunately for Kazmir and the Dodgers, he left trailing, 2-0. Left-hander Justin Nicolino stymied the Dodger offense in his 7 1/3-inning season debut, despite striking out only two, shutting out Los Angeles on 99 pitches by allowing only singles by Corey Seager and Justin Turner and walks to Kiké Hernandez and Adrian Gonzalez.
oldbrooklynfan
Kazmir really looked good after that first inning, lets hope he’s now out of his doldrums. Also I hope the offense will soon wake up.