Editorials

Dodgers’ Playoff Moment: Jose Lima’s Complete Game Shutout In 2004

Our second installment of all-time Dodger playoff moment takes us to 2004 when the Dodgers won the NL West and took on the St. Louis Cardinals in the NLDS.

The Dodgers hadn’t won a playoff game since their World Series clinching victory in 1988 and were swept out of the postseason in 1995 and 1996 and the first two games of the series in St. Louis.



Jose Lima took the mound in Game 3 of the NLDs at Dodger Stadium. At this point, Lima was a journeyman starter trying to replicate his 1999 season where he won 21 games for the Houston Astros. Lima found some success with the Dodgers that season, going 13-5 with a 4.07 ERA. His wild antics and eccentric personality made him a fan favorite all season and his starts became known as “Lima Time”.

Lima would ignite the Dodger Stadium crowd with a five-hit, complete game shutout. Shawn Green sparked the offense by hitting two solo home runs and Steve Finley had a two-run double off Cardinals starter Matt Morris.

Lima passed away on May 23, 2010, but will forever be remembered in Dodgers’ history for his performance on October 9, 2004.

Here’s video of Lima’s incredible 2004 playoff performance:

Staff Writer

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