Tony Gonsolin turned in his best start of the season and Austin Barnes provided the difference for the Los Angeles Dodgers in a 1-0 win over the Colorado Rockies to snap their three-game losing streak.
The Dodgers’ lineup resembled that of a Spring Training game, particularly the bottom half as Mookie Betts and Cody Bellinger were unavailable due to injury, and Max Muncy remained on paternity leave.
Austin Barnes, who has excelled recently as a pinch-hitter, delivered a leadoff home run in the second inning from the No. 5 spot in the order.
Tony Gonsolin did his part to uphold the slim lead as he tied a season high by going 5.1 innings. He stranded Charlie Blackmon’s two-out double in the first inning and worked around a walk in the second before finally retiring the side in order in the third.
Ryan McMahon singled with two outs in the fourth, which was followed by Gonsolin striking out five of the next six batters faced. He was removed at 81 pitches after walking Raimel Tapia in the sixth inning.
Gonsolin’s command and velocity were both much improved and may have been related to changing back to pitching out of the windup. Gonsolin’s fastball velocity averaged close to 95 mph — the same mark as last year and up from this season’s 93.2 mph.
Gonsolin’s effort was backed by Alex Vesia, who retired four of five batters faced to get the game into the seventh inning. Joe Kelly returned from arm soreness to strike out pinch-hitter Elias Diaz to end the seventh, and Blake Treinen worked a perfect eighth inning.
Kenley Jansen got the redemption that eluded him on Wednesday and Thursday, snapping a string of three consecutive blown saves.
Dodgers hope to get Bellinger back
While Betts isn’t expected to play until the series opener against the San Francisco Giants, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said it’s possible Bellinger will be back in the lineup on Sunday.
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