The Colorado Rockies (62-55) did not have anything going offensively Saturday night but none of that mattered when Ryan McMahon launched a three-run home run in the bottom of the ninth inning to lead the Rockies to a 3-2 to victory over the Los Angeles Dodgers (64-52).
McMahon’s three-run bomb did not secure a victory for Rockies starting pitcher Kyle Freeland, who once again recorded a quality start for the ball club, but it did ensure that the Rockies did not waste his masterful performance.
Freeland tossed seven strong innings for the Rockies, giving up only six hits and two runs, while striking out ten, despite not factoring into the decision. The strong start at home was nothing new for Freeland, who has a 2.18 ERA at Coors Field in 2018. Only three starters in the National League have a better home ERA this season.
While the Rockies did come up clutch in the ninth inning, they struggled for most of the game offensively. Other than a pair of extra-base hits in the ninth, the Rockies only recorded four hits in the game against Dodgers starting pitcher Walker Buehler.
In the seven innings Buehler pitched for Los Angeles, the Rockies recorded only four hits, all of which were singles by Carlos Gonzalez and Gerardo Parra. Gonzalez reached base three times Saturday night in total. (two hits, one walk).
Nolan Arenado sat out most of the game with a shoulder injury, but did pinch hit in the ninth inning and reached base after being hit by Dodgers reliever JT Chargois. This took place after Trevor Story hit a double with one out. Story’s double was the Rockies’ fifth total hit in the game and first against the LA bullpen.
With Arenado and Story on base, McMahon was able to deliver for the Rockies with a three-run home run to walk off the Dodgers and secure a crucial home victory.
Colorado’s lack of offense over the last week has been concerning, especially with the margin for error being so slim during the playoff crunch. But if the Rockies do make the playoffs, finding ways to win in the later innings like they did tonight will be crucial
The Rockies are just 2-42 in games where they are trailing after the seventh inning. If the Rockies are going to have any chance of keeping up with the Dodgers and Diamondbacks down the stretch, the club is going to have to find a way to win more games like tonight.
The Rockies and Dodgers will conclude the three-game series Sunday afternoon with first scheduled for 1:10 p.m. MT. Chad Bettis will be on the mound for the Rockies and he will face off against left-handed starter Rich Hill.