With the Los Angeles Dodgers defeating the Colorado Rockies in the series opener at Dodger Stadium, they matched the franchise record for best 40-game start to a season at 30-10.
Going into the series against the Rockies, not only had the Dodgers dominated their division rival, they also stood as the only team in baseball that had yet to lose a series this season.
With the bullpen faltering over the weekend, the Dodgers dropped back-to-back games against the Rockies, bringing that streak to a rapid halt.
While it undoubtedly was impressive in this short, unique season, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts wasn’t overly disappointed by it coming to an end, but wants his team to get back playing at a high level.
“It’s great. I think it was a good run. You’ve got to hand it to the Rockies. They got after it. You could see their energy. We got beat the last two nights, and that’s going to happen,” Roberts said after Sunday night’s 7-6 loss.
“Off day, then we’re going to Arizona, and we’ve got to play good baseball. I just like the way we’re playing, so we’ll be fine.”
While the Dodgers dropped the final two games, they still put up good fights, particularly in the finale when they erased three different deficits before former L.A. star Matt Kemp ultimately did them in with a two-run home run off Caleb Ferguson in the eighth inning.
Considering the Dodgers have a sizable leading in the National League West, the organization has been cautious with its players, giving everyone adequate rest and extra time to get healthy if they are injured.
Betts gets entire night off despite close game
That was the case for Dodgers star Mookie Betts on Sunday night as he was out of the lineup for a scheduled off day. Considering how close the game was late, the Dodgers had plenty of opportunities to insert Betts into the game as a pinch-hitter, but Roberts ultimately decided to give one of the leading NL MVP candidates a full night off.
“I just made that decision before the game that I was going to stay away from him,” Roberts explained.
Not many organizations have the luxury of doing that right now as the home stretch of the season is here and the battle for a spot in the playoffs is ongoing. But with the Dodgers running away with the NL West, they will be able to do that for the rest of the regular season to ensure they are fresh for the postseason run.
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