The Los Angeles Dodgers began a seventh consecutive series in which they’ve faced a team in playoff contention since the All-Star break, with the four-game set against the Colorado Rockies of added importance considering implications in the National League West.
Ross Stripling returned from the 10-day disabled list and turned in six innings of one-run ball. Back-to-back pinch-hit home runs from Joc Pederson and Max Muncy gave the Dodgers a 3-1 lead in the seventh, but Pedro Baez squandered it in the bottom half of the inning.
After the Rockies took a 4-3 advantage, their bullpen failed to protect it in the late innings. Cody Bellinger delivered a game-tying home run, and blasts from Chris Taylor and Brian Dozier gave Los Angeles a decided 8-5 lead.
After Caleb Ferguson contributed 1.2 scoreless innings, Scott Alexander entered in the ninth to convert his second save of the season. It was reported mid-game Kenley Jansen was unavailable due to illness.
Following the win, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts revealed Jansen was taken to the hospital and is returning home, via Andy McCullough of the L.A. Times:
Kenley Jansen was taken to the hospital with an irregular heartbeat, Dave Roberts said. Jansen is flying back to Los Angeles and will not be available for this series.
— Andy McCullough (@McCulloughTimes) August 10, 2018
Jansen previously suffered from an irregular heartbeat at Coors Field in 2012, and was forced to leave the bullpen during a game in 2015 because he fell ill.
After wrapping up their road trip, the Dodgers play nine of their next 12 games at home. It’s unclear when Jansen will rejoin the team. He’s expected to meet with a cardiologist in Los Angeles.
