Dodgers 11, Colorado 4
KEY MOMENT: The Dodgers scored six runs to take an 8-2 lead in the sixth inning, which was highlighted by a three-run home run by Joc Pederson. Pitcher Clayton Kershaw drove in Jimmy Rollins for the first run of the inning with a single to left field that beat the Rockies’ defensive shift.
AT THE PLATE: The Dodgers collected 18 hits, including a career-high three from Kershaw. Andre Ethier and Jimmy Rollins hit solo home runs in the second inning to give the Dodgers a 2-0 lead. Howie Kendrick homered in the eighth inning. Adrian Gonzalez was four for four with a walk and reached base five times for the 14th time in his career.
ON THE MOUND: Kershaw completed seven innings for the third consecutive start, this time limiting the Rockies to two runs and five hits. He struck out seven and walked one. The only runs Kershaw allowed came on a fourth-inning home run by Nolan Arenado. Left-hander David Huff, who pitched the eighth inning in relief of Kershaw, was charged with two runs and four hits. J.P. Howell struck out two batters in a perfect ninth inning.
ROSTER MOVE: Huff traded places with Matt West, as Huff was called up from triple-A Oklahoma City and West was sent down. To create a place for Huff on the 40-man roster, the Dodgers moved Carl Crawford to the 60-day disabled list, which ruled out the former All-Star outfielder’s return for at least four more weeks. Crawford has been sidelined with a torn side muscle since April 28.
EXTRA BASES: Yasiel Puig posted on his Twitter account that he expects to be back on the field “in a few days,” presumably to start a minor league rehabilitation assignment. Manager Don Mattingly said Puig ran at close to 100% intensity at the Dodgers’ spring-training complex in Arizona. In Puig’s absence, Andre Ethier has been starting in right field. Mattingly said that when Puig returns to the major leagues, he will take back his place in right field and Ethier will become the team’s primary left fielder.
UP NEXT: Juan Nicasio (1-1, 1.29 earned-run average) will face the Rockies at noon in the first game of a Tuesday doubleheader. Zack Greinke (5-1, 1.48) will pitch the second game for the Dodgers, at 5:30 p.m. Jorge De La Rosa (1-2, 6.51) and David Hale (1-0, 2.70) were named the Rockies’ two starters, but Manager Walt Weiss wouldn’t say who would start which game. TV: SportsNet LA. Radio: 570, 1020.