The Los Angeles Dodgers inched closer to clinching an eighth consecutive National League West title and extended their modest winning streak to four games by blowing out the Colorado Rockies, 15-6.
The Rockies remained in a tailspin since taking two of three at Dodger Stadium earlier this month to stand as the only team to hand the Dodgers a series loss this season. Friday guaranteed the Dodgers at least a series split at Coors Field, and with the Miami Marlins suffering a loss, L.A. secured home-field advantage for the Wild Card Series even if they slip in the standings.
The Dodgers jumped out to a lead in the second inning behind a pair of two-run home runs from Cody Bellinger and Gavin Lux. It was a welcomed sight for both players, as they have struggled this year. For Bellinger, it’s been more pronounced considering he has been with the team since Opening Day.
Lux’s line drive to the second deck in right field travelled an estimated 453 feet, good for the Dodgers’ longest home run of the season.
Alex Wood, serving as the opener in the Dodgers’ third bullpen game in the past week, nearly coughed up the 4-0 lead. A pair of singles to start the bottom of the second inning led to a Josh Fuentes three-run homer.
Wood retired the next three batters faced but was removed after allowing a leadoff single in the third. The Dodgers bullpen kept the Rockies off the board until their offense managed to break the game open.
A hit by pitch, walk and error allowed L.A. to load the bases with one out in the fifth inning. Chris Taylor delivered a two-run single, and Max Muncy, Bellinger and AJ Pollock strung together three consecutive RBI base hits.
The middle to late innings were productive for the Dodgers as Betts hit a solo homer in the sixth, and he was part of a four-run seventh. Edwin Rios hit an RBI single, Betts drove a two-run triple to the gap and Corey Seager added an RBI base hit.
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