LOS ANGELES - The Dodgers gave Vicente Padilla a chance after he was released by the Rangers in August for bad behavior, and Padilla has made the most of it, earning more respect in his clubhouse after setting Los Angeles up for yesterday’s 2-1 win with 7 1/3 strong innings.
“The obvious difference is my teammates have supported me from the beginning and have embraced me since I came. And I think that’s a big difference,’’ said Padilla, who held the Phillies in check except for a Ryan Howard solo homer in the fourth. “I was very happy to be given this opportunity by the Dodgers. I just hope I can pitch well and go all the way.’’
Padilla said he was nervous pitching against Pedro Martinez, whom he’s idolized. Martinez has said nice things about Padilla, hoping that a pitcher with enormous talent could finally mature.
“I was very emotional,’’ Padilla said. “He’s one of the best pitchers that there is and I have a lot of respect for him. He pitched really well.’’
Howard was impressed with Padilla, who induced seven ground outs, nine fly outs, and struck out six.
“He was just moving it in and moving it out,’’ Howard said. “He had two different curveballs going today. He had one coming in at 76, and then he had that eephus curveball.’’
