The Los Angeles Dodgers saw their four-game winning streak snapped in the first of a 10-game homestand, falling to the Colorado Rockies, 2-1.
Dodgers rookie sensation Walker Buehler got the start on the mound and had another outstanding outing. He did not allow a runner to reach base until the top of the fifth inning, and gave up just two hits and one run in a career-high seven innings while striking out six without allowing a walk.
There was a scare in the top of the fifth inning when Trevor Story hit a 108 mph comebacker that hit Buehler in his ribs. Buehler made the play at first, but then immediately dropped to his knees in pain.
After being looked at by a trainer and Dodgers manager Dave Roberts, Buehler threw a few warmup pitches and remained in the game. He completed 2.2 more innings of shutout ball after that.
Just as a precaution, Buehler underwent x-rays after the game that came back negative, which is obviously a positive sign, via J.P. Hoornstra of the Southern California News Group:
Buehler was hit in the ribs. X-rays negative.
— J.P. Hoornstra (@jphoornstra) May 22, 2018
With three of the Dodgers Opening Day starters in Rich Hill, Clayton Kershaw and Hyun-Jin Ryu all on the disabled list, losing Buehler would have been another tough blow.
He has been their best starter as of late, yielding a 2.38 ERA and 0.97 WHIP in 34 innings across his first six starts. He has struck out 40 batters while only walking nine.