Electrifying Comeback as Dodgers Overcome Rockies in Dramatic Fashion
In a game filled with dramatic swings, the Los Angeles Dodgers executed a stunning comeback to secure an 11-9 victory over the Colorado Rockies on Tuesday night. This win broke a prolonged streak of 1,137 consecutive losses when trailing by five or more runs in the ninth inning or later, dating back to 1957. Only the Seattle Mariners, with a 1,234-loss streak, had a longer active losing run in such scenarios.
The Comeback
Jason Heyward emerged as the hero with a pinch-hit grand slam that started the Dodgers' rally in the ninth. Teoscar Hernandez followed suit with a crucial three-run homer, contributing to the seven-run inning that turned the game around. This was a significant feat for the Dodgers, who hadn't scored seven runs in a ninth inning since a game against the San Francisco Giants in 2004.
Heyward's grand slam, his fourth career grand slam, was a pivotal moment. It was sparked by walks from Andy Pages and Miguel Vargas, followed by a single from Miguel Rojas. Heyward's fourth homer of the season hit the right-field foul pole, breathing life into the Dodgers' comeback after trailing 7-2 in the fourth inning.
Ohtani's Contribution
A highlight of the game was Shohei Ohtani's 476-foot homer in the fifth inning. Ohtani also singled off pitcher Victor Vodnik (1-1) before Will Smith struck out looking. Freddie Freeman received his sixth intentional walk in the last two games, setting the stage for Hernandez's heroics.
Controversial Call and Key Hits
The game was not without controversy. In a critical moment, Hernandez took a half-swing at a 1-2 fastball. First base umpire Lance Barksdale ruled that Hernandez did not commit to the swing, a call that infuriated Colorado manager Bud Black, resulting in his ejection from the game. Hernandez capitalized on this opportunity, hitting his 18th home run to put the Dodgers ahead 11-9. This marked the first time in the Dodgers' 140-year history that they hit both a grand slam and a three-run homer in the ninth inning.
Tensions Flare
After Hernandez's homer, Colorado right fielder Jake Cave approached Barksdale, clearly upset with the call. Rockies second baseman Alan Trejo had to step in to calm the situation. Relief pitcher Evan Phillips then secured the win by retiring Hunter Goodman with a runner on second, earning his 11th save in as many chances. Cave, still agitated, had to be restrained by bench coach Mike Redmond while attempting to confront Barksdale after the game's end.
Rockies' Performance
Despite the loss, the Rockies had notable performances. Elehuris Montero and Brenton Doyle both homered, contributing to the Rockies' early lead. Doyle had a standout game with three singles, scoring twice and making a diving catch to rob Ohtani in the seventh inning, which preserved an 8-4 lead at the time.
Dodgers' Pitching Struggles and Redemption
Dodgers starter Walker Buehler struggled, allowing eight hits and seven runs over four innings. It was the first time since his return from Tommy John surgery in May 2023 that the 29-year-old right-hander had allowed more than three earned runs. Buehler struck out two and walked one during his outing. Reliever Michael Petersen (1-0) played a crucial role by working two innings and striking out two batters in his major league debut.
Manager and Player Reactions
Los Angeles manager Dave Roberts praised the quality at-bats throughout the lineup, stating, "Jason was ready when called upon. Teo keeps coming up with big hits. That inning certainly showed the fight and the competitiveness of our team."
Reflecting on his crucial grand slam, Heyward said, "I wasn't sure if it was going to stay fair or not. It's Colorado, so maybe that helped it straighten out a little bit. I was like, 'Come on, squeak in, squeak in.' We got rewarded for our process in the ninth."
Hernandez shared his perspective on his game-changing hit, "When Jason hit the grand slam and turned the lineup over to Ohtani, you knew something was going to happen. I wanted a good pitch to hit and tie the game. I put a little extra, and it went over the fence. It felt great, especially because it put the team ahead."
Jake Cave vented his frustration over the controversial call, saying, "Everybody in the world could see it was at least close. And he did swing. It's a big game against one of the best teams in baseball. That's a swing-and-miss, the game's won, and we beat the Los Angeles Dodgers."
Petersen described his debut experience as surreal, "It was crazy. You can't feel anything. It's like your first date; you are tripping over stuff. But awesome."
With this victory, the Dodgers improved to a record of 73-32 against Colorado since 2018, while the Rockies have now lost five of their last six games. The electrifying victory adds another chapter to the Dodgers' storied history, showcasing their resilience and capability to overcome seemingly insurmountable odds.