Matt Kemp slugged a go-ahead home run in the eighth inning to help propel the Los Angeles Dodgers to a 6-4 victory over the Colorado Rockies. The win helped the Dodgers avoid being swept in the three-game series at Dodger Stadium.
For the first time all series, the Dodgers didn’t face a Rockies starter who went eight innings. Though rather than performance, Chad Bettis’ afternoon was cut short because of a hot spot that developed on his right middle finger.
Prior to the early exit he allowed two runs on two hits. Chris Rusin was the first Rockies reliever to enter, and after tossing a scoreless fourth inning, allowed the Dodgers to pull even in the fifth.
A Chris Taylor single was followed by a base hit from Justin Turner, then Kemp’s RBI single cut the Rockies’ lead to 4-3. Cody Bellinger’s groundout then pulled Los Angeles even.
Following Kemp’s home run in the eighth inning, Yasiel Puig alertly scored from second base on an infield single. DJ LeMahieu made a nice diving stop on a ball hit to his left but was nonchalant after realizing he didn’t have a play at first base, and Puig broke for home plate.
Ross Stripling didn’t have his best showing but still managed to turn in six innings, alleviating some pressure on a weary Dodgers bullpen. A pair of singles and walks led to the Rockies tying the game in the second inning, and they pulled ahead in the third.
Nolan Arenado’s solo home run in the fifth inning was the last damage Stripling allowed. He finished with seven strikeouts against just one walk.
Stripling was backed by Scott Alexander and Daniel Hudson, who each threw a scoreless inning to set up Kenley Jansen for his 22nd save of the season.
Kemp finished with a game-high four RBI and was a triple shy of the cycle, while Max Muncy reached safely in each of his four plate appearances.
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