Colorado 7, Dodgers 6
HISTORIC HOME RUN:
Joc Pederson launched an eighth-inning offering from Scott Oberg into the left-field stands for a solo home run that increased the Dodgers’ lead to 6-4. That extended Pederson’s home run streak to five games, which tied a single-season franchise record shared by Matt Kemp (2010), Shawn Green (2001) and Roy Campanella (1950). Pederson now has 17 home runs on the season and is tied for third-most in the majors with Giancarlo Stanton of the Miami Marlins. The only players with more: Bryce Harper of the Washington Nationals and Nelson Cruz of the Seattle Marines, who both have 18.
KEY MOMENT:
Is something wrong with Kenley Jansen? That appeared to be the case in a nightmare ninth inning during which the Dodgers didn’t call on their closer to protect the 6-4 lead. Jansen pitched the previous day, but that was his only appearance in an eight-day span. Whatever the reason, the ninth inning was started by Adam Liberatore, who pitched a scoreless eighth. Liberatore gave up a leadoff single to Michael McKenry that was followed by a double to right by Charlie Blackmon. Manager Don Mattingly replaced Liberatore with Yimi Garcia, who promptly walked DJ LeMahieu. Garcia proceeded to walk Troy Tulowitkzi with the bases loaded, reducing the Dodgers’ advantage to 6-5. Garcia was replaced by left-hander J.P. Howell, who threw a ball that sailed past catcher Yasmani Grandal and allowed Blackmon to score the tying run. Grandal was charged with a passed ball on the play. Howell reloaded the bases by intentionally walking Carlos Gonzalez, after which Mattingly placed the game in the hands of Chris Hatcher. With a five-man infield behind him, Hatcher gave up a sacrifice fly to Nolan Arenado that drove in the deciding run.
ON THE MOUND:
Called up to the major leagues for the first time the previous day, 27-year-old Josh Ravin was in line for his second victory in as many days when Alberto Callaspo pinch-hit for him in the eighth inning. Ravin pitched two scoreless innings, including a perfect seventh. The night was significantly rougher for starter Mike Bolsinger, who, somewhat predictably, made the worst of his six starts for the Dodgers at Coors Field. Bolsinger pitched only five innings and was charged with four runs and six hits.
AT THE PLATE:
The Dodgers scored thee runs in the seventh inning to turn a 4-2 deficit into a 5-4 lead. Adrian Gonzalez singled to center field to drive in the first run of the inning. Two batters later, Andre Ethier drove in two more runs. Rockies starter Chad Bettis pitched six innings and limited the Dodgers to two runs, only one of which was earned.
UP NEXT:
Carlos Frias (4-2, 4.29 ERA) will face the St. Louis Cardinals and Michael Wacha (7-1, 2.27) at Dodger Stadium on Thursday at 7:00 p.m. TV: SportsNet LA. Radio: 570, 1020.