For the 21st time in Major League baseball history two brothers squared off in a high profile West Coast intra-league pitching match up. With their parents in the crowd the National League’s Los Angeles Dodger substitute starter Jeff Weaver (4-1) squared away against his cross-town rival Los Angeles Angel pitcher Jared Weaver (7-3). The siblings’ anxious parents sat in the crowded stadium adorned in jerseys that were half Angel, half Dodger uniforms sewn together.

The brotherly pairing is baseball’s first since 2002. It can now be said that the older brother has the edge in these contests. The elder brother has now won 12 times as the league leading Dodgers improved the best record in baseball with a 6-4 triumph.

The game was significant for both teams. The Angels had been riding an eight game winning streak and have pulled themselves to within a half game of American League West Leader the Texas Rangers, who lost in 11 innings to the San Francisco Giants. Had the younger, 26 year old Jared, been able to defeat his older brother 32 year old Jeff, the Angels would have moved into sole possession of first place.

Journeyman Jeff, continued his resurgences and lifted the Dodgers to another impressive win. Sporting the game’s best record at 45-24, the Dodgers lead the National league West by 8 games.

The Dodger season is a credit to a total team effort; the game’s best all around defense, clutch hitting by the full lineup, solid starting pitching and tremendous relief pitching. Saturday night’s victory displayed all of the above ingredients as the visiting Dodgers improved their intra-league record to 6-5.

Gail Weaver, mother of the rival pitchers and close brothers, summed up her emotionally charged evening; “We were hoping somehow that they can both get a win, but we know that isn’t possible, so you just keep rooting for them both and whatever happens, happens. They both deserve this because they both work so very hard.”

On the strength of a Kendry Morales homerun and an errant pickoff attempt by Jeff, the Angels jumped out to an early 2-0 lead. As they have done all season, the Manny-less Dodgers answered with Russell Martin’s first homerun of the season, a clutch two run triple by Andre Ethier, an RBI single by Casey Blake and a sacrifice fly by Orlando Hudson aka O-Dog.

Manager Joe Torre praised his winning pitcher but had high praise for his bullpen stars, Ronald Bellisario (4 strikeouts) and Ramon Troncoso (four up – four down).

The Dodgers and Angels square away again on Sunday night in ESPN’s featured game. Enjoy the game and Happy Father’s Day!