The Los Angeles Dodgers played poorly all around as they dropped the rubber match of their Opening Series against the Colorado Rockies 9-4.
Julio Urías continued to be plagued by the same issues that affected him in Spring Training as he allowed six runs (three earned) in just two-plus innings with a lack of command and velocity that was far lower than his average last season.
In the first inning, the Rockies scored two runs after Chris Taylor was unable to field a fly ball while battling the wind and sun. The play was originally ruled a double for Ryan McMahon but later corrected to an error.
The Rockies then added another on an RBI single from Randall Grichuk to make it 3-0 after one.
Urías continued to pitch into the third inning, but that’s when things really started to go south for him. The Rockies opened the inning with a walk, and then followed that with a two-run home run off the bat of C.J. Cron.
Urías then hit the next batter and followed that with a walk before Elias Diaz singled to drive in another run while chasing Urías from the game.
While it wasn’t an ideal start for the young southpaw in any aspect, the most concerning part was the continuation of his dip in velocity. The left-hander averaged just 91.4 mph on his fastball while hitting 89 and topping out at 93 after averaging 94.1 mph last season.
After his last spring start, Urías said he is still healthy and feeling “physically and mentally strong,” so he may still be building up after a shortened Spring Training or going through a period of dead arm.
Mitch White relieved Urías and got the Dodgers out of the jam. He finished his day going 3.2 innings while allowing one run on two hits.
Through their first time through the lineup, the Dodgers hit six balls at 92 mph or harder off Rockies’ starter Antonio Senzetela, but due to some unfortunate luck and timing, they also hit into two double plays and were unable to score.
That started to change in the fourth inning as they rallied to get themselves back in the game. Justin Turner opened the inning with a single, which was followed by a walk from Will Smith and a single from Cody Bellinger to load the bases.
They scored their first run when Chris Taylor hit a sacrifice fly and then loaded the bases again with one out after an infield single from Gavin Lux.
Then, with two out, Freddie Freeman hit a fly ball to Kris Bryant, who ended up dropping the ball, which allowed three runs to score, making the score 6-4. There was 17 mph wind blowing from left to right throughout the game, which combined with the sun made it a tough day for both defenses.
After the Dodgers’ four-run outburst, the Rockies added another run in the bottom half of the inning to increase their lead back to three runs and didn’t look back. They added two more in the seventh after a two-out error from Freeman that was followed by a two-run home run from Elias Diaz.
While the Dodgers’ bats were unlucky to start the game, they also had more than enough chances to score, finishing the game with 10 hits and giving the top of their lineup multiple chances to come through, but they ended up with seven left on base while going 2-for-9 with runners in scoring position.
Dodgers begin two-game series with Twins
The Dodgers now have an off-day on Monday while they travel to Minnesota to face the Twins for a two-game series. Both teams enter the game with a record of 1-2.
Andrew Heaney is scheduled to pitch on Tuesday against Twins’ pitcher Chris Archer with first pitch scheduled for 4:40 p.m. PT.
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