Grichuk, Diaz homer, Rockies rough up Kershaw, Dodgers 7-4
DENVER — Randal Grichuk and Elias Diaz homered and the Colorado Rockies continued to rough up Clayton Kershaw at Coors Field, beating the Los Angeles Dodgers 7-4 Tuesday night.
The Rockies tagged Kershaw for six runs and nine hits in four innings, his shortest outing in Colorado since he gave up five runs in three innings in his first career start at the park on July 22, 2008.
Charlie Blackmon had four hits and scored twice and Brandon Rodgers had two hits and two RBIs as the Rockies clinched their second series victory over the Dodgers this season. It’s the first time they have won consecutive home series against the Dodgers since 2016.
Kershaw (5-2) struck out four and walked four after issuing only seven walks in his previous eight starts this season. He is 11-7 with a 4.81 ERA in 25 career starts at Coors Field, his highest ERA at any venue.
Hanser Alberto, Max Muncy and Trea Turner hit solo home runs for the Dodgers, who had won five of six entering the series.
Kyle Freeland (4-5) gave up six hits and three runs in six innings, with five strikeouts and three walks.
Freddie Freeman had two hits for Los Angeles. He singled, stole second and scored on Justin Turner’s single for a 1-0 lead in the first. Alberto’s second homer of the season made it 2-1 in the second inning.
Grichuk’s homer started a three-run rally in the Rockies second that included two walks. Blackmon singled home a run and Rodgers’ two-out, RBI single with the bases loaded short-hopped Kershaw’s right foot as he finished his delivery and bounced free.
Diaz homered in the third, and Blackmon singled and scored in the fourth as the Rockies scored in every inning off Kershaw.
Muncy’s home run in the sixth broke his 0-for-14 skid. He has 20 homers in 62 games against the Rockies.
FREEMAN A FREE MAN?
Freeman didn’t dispute reports Tuesday that he is seeking to separate from Excel Sports Management because of the way his free agent negotiations were handled in the offseason, when he left Atlanta for a six-year, $162 million contract with the Dodgers.
“It’s time to move on and focus on
winning championships with the Dodgers, and that’s what I’m going to do,” Freeman told reporters.
Freeman was welcomed as a returning hero and was moved to tears during the Dodgers’ three-game series in Atlanta last weekend, where he received his 2021 World Series ring.
“Last weekend in Atlanta was a very emotional time for me and my family,” Freeman said in a statement. “I am working through some issues with my longtime agents at Excel. My representation remains a fluid situation and I will update if needed.”