The Los Angeles Dodgers defeated the Colorado Rockies in a 14-3 rout in the series finale at Coors Field on Thursday to take two of three. However, the game was delayed 1 hour and 50 minutes due to a heavy thunderstorm.
What was initially just rain turned to hail, and covered the large confines of Coors Field. The bursts of rain were so severe that not only was the playing surface was covered in water, it also flooded each dugout.
The Coors Field grounds crew was able to provide the Dodgers and Rockies with an adequate playing surface once the weather gave way. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts admitted to having some doubt over the viability of ultimately playing the game and was thankful it managed to get completed, via SportsNet LA:
“I wasn’t too encouraged about the possibility of playing, but the grounds crew was pretty optimistic they could clean some things up and the field would dry. They were right. There was a little drizzle early and late, but I just felt our guys were ready to play, and I’m glad we did.”
Rockies catcher Elias Díaz took advantage of the delay to have some fun on the rain-soaked tarp that covered the infield, sliding headfirst into puddles of water. Roberts explained that although his players didn’t take part, they remained prepared to win a game and to take the series:
“No, no snowball fights. They said it was the most hail that they got as far as having to manage it. It was really bleak as far as potentially playing. But to the guys’ credit, to Emmet, not being fazed by the delay, all of our guys were ready to play a big league ballgame. It’s going to be a late night, but we’ll sleep a lot better knowing we won a series.”
With the Dodgers not scheduled to return to Coors Field as part of their normal schedule, Roberts further expanded on the importance of playing Thursday’s game:
“It is. I think coming into tonight, there were some guys we were going to stay away from, but that’s just part of the season. Looking forward, knowing we have a doubleheader scheduled to come here and play again, it’s a lot. So it’s one of those, we’re here. We might as well play a baseball game. Like I said, I’m happy we did, and the guys answered the bell.”
Rookie Emmett Sheehan provided the Dodgers with five innings, allowing three runs on seven hits. The bullpen then stepped up, keeping the Rockies’ offense at bay and moving the game along as more rain came in the late innings.
The Dodgers’ win improved their record against the Rockies to 4-1 on the season. It was also their 18th victory by five runs or more, and pushed them over the .500 mark in road games, with a 21-20 record as the visiting team.
Where do Dodgers stand in National League West?
With a series win over the Rockies, the Dodgers improve their overall record to 45-35, moving into second place in the National League West. They jumped the San Francisco Giants, after they lost to the Toronto Blue Jays on Thursday.
The Arizona Diamondbacks lost their second-straight game to the Tampa Bay Rays, but still hold a two-game lead over the Dodgers.
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