There are sabermetrics for just about everything in the game. If you want to know Carl Crawford’s stats against left handed pitchers in the 6th inning of games played in 75 degree weather or higher on 2-2 counts with Joe West behind the plate, I’m pretty sure there is a stat geek out there that can provide some numbers.

But there is an immeasurable activity out there on the playing field that has been vital at saving games for the Dodgers, and it happened again last night. That is Adrian Gonzalez and his ability to dig balls out of the dirt.

Last night in the 8th inning, with the Dodgers up 2-1, the Giants had loaded the bases and Ronald Belisario delivered his only pitch of the night. It was a heavy sinker that dropped off the table like a Dick Weber power roll going after a 7-10 split. Off the sawed off bat of Hunter Pence was a ground ball to the left of Juan Uribe, who quickly scampered over and stepped on third base for the force. In his haste to get the double play, Uribe then hurled an errant throw to first base. It was a throw in the dirt that could have easily been down the right field line, resulting in at least two runs crossing the plate.

Although Thursday night’s game will be remembered for AGon’s dramatic walk-off single in the bottom of the 10th inning, it was his pick in the dirt in the 8th inning for an inning-ending double play that won the game for the Dodgers. (Photo credit – Jon SooHoo)

Adrian Gonzalez is the “Brooks Robinson” of first basemen. A human vacuum cleaner that scoops up almost everything on the ground in an effortless manner. Without that defensive gem last night, there is no Dodger victory, and there isn’t talk of a clinching at home this weekend.

As much as everyone is talking about Gonzalez’s game winning hit up the middle in the bottom of the 11th inning, few are recognizing that there wouldn’t have been an 11th without Adrian digging that throw out of the dirt. It was just another one of those intangible elements to this amazing Dodgers season. One that is often overlooked in the grand scheme of things, and it shouldn’t be.