Dodgers Postgame: L.A. Falls to Rockies, 2-1, in Second Straight Poor Offensive Showing
The Dodgers fell short in mounting a ninth-inning comeback, losing to the Rockies, 2-1, for their 50th loss of the season. Los Angeles still has two games left to win their 111th game, which would set a new franchise record for winning percentage.
Trea Turner led off the bottom of the ninth with a single, and Freddie Freeman worked a 3-0 count before using his green light to rip a line drive to right field. Unfortunately, Randal Grichuk was able to track down the ball for the first out of the inning. Will Smith followed by flying out to center, and Max Muncy worked a long count before hitting a line drive to center for the third out.
Freeman had his second straight 0-for-4 game and will need four hits over the final two games to reach 200 for the season. He also dropped below Jeff McNeil in the batting average race.
Gonsolin Returns
Tony Gonsolin returned from the injured list to make his first start since August 23. The plan had been for him to go three innings, but manager Dave Roberts pulled him after 40 pitches in two innings. Gonsolin allowed three hits and two earned runs, striking out three and walking none. He finishes the season with a 16-1 record and a 2.14 ERA.
Dave Roberts speaks pregame on the return of Tony Gonsolin and more. pic.twitter.com/Lo6RzI21oE
— SportsNet LA (@SportsNetLA) October 4, 2022
Gonsolin headed to the bullpen to throw another inning’s worth of pitches after his start, so the big question will be how he feels on Tuesday.
L.A. Bullpen Shines, but Can’t Finish
The Los Angeles bullpen was tasked with throwing seven innings, and they almost got there. Seven relievers combined to throw six shutout innings, but the Rockies broke through for two singles and a run off Brusdar Graterol in the top of the ninth.
Through 8 innings today, here are the season ERAs for the seven Dodgers to pitch in this game so far. (And it's actually better than this, as the 3.11 is Chris Martin's overall number, but with the Dodgers he's at 1.52.) pic.twitter.com/EIbJitVBId
— Jeff J. Snider (@snidog) October 4, 2022
If you can ignore the fact that the dummy tweeting that miscounted the number of pitchers in the list, it’s a pretty impressive list that shows why the Dodgers are confident in their bullpen heading into October.
Trayce Finally Got Out
Trayce Thompson hit a solo homer to provide the Dodgers’ first run in the third inning, then singled later to make his eighth straight plate appearance reaching base. In the bottom of the eighth inning, he struck out looking to snap his on-base streak.
Thompson for the tie! pic.twitter.com/2XdC8mX3Iu
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) October 4, 2022
Mookie’s Bobblehead Night
Mookie Betts went 1-for-4 on his bobblehead night in a losing cause, but we’ll take any excuse we can find to post video of his adorable daughter.
It's Mookie Betts Bobblehead Night presented by @GetSpectrum! pic.twitter.com/pLX00NNk6h
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) October 4, 2022
Up Next
The penultimate game of the regular season will come on Tuesday night at 7:10 pm at Dodger Stadium. It’s Justin Turner bobblehead night, so get to the ballpark early.