After a rough few games on the East Coast for the boys in blue, they were able to bounce back with a thrilling sweep over the struggling Colorado Rockies.
The Dodgers only gave up eight hits while scoring 19 runs throughout the series.
Game one immediately had its thrill, as starting pitcher Tyler Glasnow was able to put together a no-hit bid through seven innings. Even though the Rockies could not tally a hit off of Glasnow, they were able to score their first and only run in the second inning due to walks and some small pitching mistakes.
Nevertheless, Glasnow was able to strike out 11 batters in his excellent performance. With his pitch count being over 100 after seven innings, manager Dave Roberts decided to remove him from the game and brought in reliever Blake Treinen followed by closer Tanner Scott.
Treinen was able to continue the no-hitter, though Scott unfortunately allowed a leadoff double in the ninth inning to shortstop Ryan Ritter, in turn ending the no-hitter. This was the second time in three games that the Dodgers had a no-hitter in the ninth inning and eventually lost it. It marked the first time in Major League Baseball history where a team has lost two no-hitters in the ninth inning or later within a three-game span.
Tanner Scott’s struggles lately have made fans question whether or not he is fit to be the team’s closer, as he has not proved himself reliable this season due to streaky performances.
The team’s offense was nothing particularly special in Game one, though shortstop? Mookie Betts and first baseman Freddie Freeman contributed to drive in the team’s three runs. The Dodgers finished on top, 3-1.
LA bounced back offensively in Game two, with home runs from Betts, Freeman and right fielder Teoscar Hernández twice. They dominated Rockies’ starting pitcher Germán Márquez, tallying five runs and six hits.
Young starting pitcher Emmett Sheehan shoved in this game, lasting seven innings with nine strikeouts, only allowing a single earned run. The bullpen was able to hold down the big lead, as the final score ended at 7-2 Dodgers.
Game three was easily the most exciting for those who like big innings. The Dodgers did not score throughout innings, but they had two commanding innings that helped them gain a nine run lead against the struggling Rockies.
Left-handed pitcher Blake Snell had a stellar outing, throwing six innings with 11 strikeouts, only allowing two hits and no earned runs. Once again, the bullpen held it down and kept the Rockies’ to a shutout.
Just when the Rockies thought it couldn’t get worse, Betts’ grand slam on a 3-0 count extended their lead, winning the game 9-0. While Betts has had his struggles this season, he showed flashes this series of the superstar that fans expect.
While the Rockies have been the worst team in the league this year and it was expected that the Dodgers would win this series, this strong momentum will be carried into the upcoming series against the division rival San Francisco Giants.
The Dodgers will be traveling up to the Bay for this series, and Game one will commence on Friday with a pitching matchup between ace Yoshinubu Yamamoto and veteran Justin Verlander.
The Boys in Blue currently hold a three-game division lead over the San Diego Padres. If they continue this performance, they have a strong chance at clinching the division soon.