Despite falling behind early and then again in the middle innings, the Los Angeles Dodgers rallied late to earn a 7-5 victory over the Colorado Rockies on Jackie Robinson Day.
After a six-inning effort by Julio Urias, the trio of Jimmy Nelson, Dennis Santana and David Price combined to toss three scoreless innings out of the bullpen.
Nelson and Santana each threw a 1-2-3 innings before the ball was handed to Price for the final three outs. The left-hander allowed back-to-back singles to begin the ninth but set down the next three batters in order to record his first career save in the regular season.
“It was fun. To be out there to have a chance to help us win and finish a baseball game, I haven’t had very many opportunities to do that,” Price said. “The opportunities that I have, it’s definitely a different feeling and it’s a lot of fun.”
For Price, getting to notch his first save with the Dodgers on Jackie Robinson Day made the accomplishment all the more special. “That’s the first time I’ve been able to pitch on this day, so that was extremely special to me,” he said.
“Especially wearing the Dodger Blue. I wanted to go out there and finish the game, get that save. First two hitters didn’t end up the way I wanted to but we were able to continue to make pitches and things ended up the way I envisioned they would.”
Prior to Thursday’s appearance against the Rockies, Price’s only other save at the big league level came in Game 7 of the 2008 American League Championship Series as a member of the Tampa Bay Rays.
He revealed that he no longer has the game ball but will keep the one from his first save with the Dodgers. “I got it authenticated, so that was cool,” Price said. “I’ll probably send it off to my parents and let them put it on their mantle.”
With Price successfully getting through the ninth inning, it now marks two consecutive scoreless appearances for him. “That was huge for myself and my confidence, our coaches’ confidence in me,” Price said.
“I feel like every time I’ve went out my stuff has gotten better, my command has gotten better. Tonight was the best I’ve commanded the baseball up until this point in my four appearances.
“I feel like my arm, after every appearance and every day playing catch, it continues to feel stronger and be quicker with being able to execute pitches. That wasn’t something I was able to do in my first two outing and I didn’t execute that well in my third outing — my first outing here at Dodger Stadium.
“But tonight I commanded the baseball the way I’m used to doing it and got good results.”
Betts, Price & Roberts donated salary on Jackie Robinson Day
Price, Betts and Roberts were among the Dodgers to donate their gameday salary on Jackie Robinson Day to support The Players Alliance.
Funds raised will directly benefit the Alliance’s 2021 Gear For Good equipment distribution program. They will also amplify the organization’s mentorship, scholarship and access programs geared towards leveling the playing field, and providing the tools needed to help make many Black children’s baseball dreams a reality.
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