The Los Angeles Dodgers began their title defense with a loss that saw them fail to execute in multiple facets. They bounced back with three consecutive wins against the Colorado Rockies, though didn’t consistently play to the expected standard.
“It was great to win three of four. These guys traditionally play really well here, so to win three of four was huge,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said after the series finale at Coors Field. “But there’s some things we can continue to clean up. There’s a lot of things.”
The Dodgers had at least 12 hits in each of the first three games against the Rockies, but then mustered only four on Sunday. They benefitted from Austin Gomber issuing seven walks over three innings pitched.
“We took our walks, but I think we still let him off the hook. We gave away some outs on the bases, but I thought our at-bat quality, swinging at strikes, taking balls, was good throughout the game,” Roberts said. “For Will to get the extra insurance run late with the homer played big.”
Justin Turner misreading a drive to left field that would have been a home run took it away from Cody Bellinger on Opening Day because they crossed on the basepaths. In Sunday’s win it was Mookie Betts getting caught on the bases.
First he was thrown out stealing, then later in the game Betts was caught in a rundown after attempting to take second base when a throw got away. Max Muncy also ran into an out in the first inning on a sacrifice fly.
The Dodgers nevertheless began the season with a series win and are tied with the San Diego Padres for the best record in the National League West.
“There’s always relief when you get out of Coors. I think our guys do a good job of embracing the schedule and coming in here, but it’s taxing physically and mentally on the players, myself,” Roberts said.
“But it was exciting baseball all the way around. Ultimately, to win three of four here was a good start for our season.”
Oddities during Dodgers, Rockies series
Aside from the Dodgers not putting forth their sharpest effort, the four-game series at Coors Field also saw strange developments.
On Friday night, a cat ran onto the field before security could carry it off. The following night, a plexiglass prevented Max Muncy from making a catch in foul territory, and there was a delay because the fountains in center field were running at the wrong moment.
“I just felt that I didn’t want to distract our hitters. They usually go on in between innings, and they didn’t turn them off once Gavin came to bat,” Roberts said.
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