The Los Angeles Dodgers put on a clinic this week, grinding out 28 innings to completely dismantle the Colorado Rockies. They capped off a massive three-game sweep with a wild 6-4 victory in 10 innings on Wednesday, showing everyone they’re locked in right now. What’s even wilder is the Dodgers were the first to score in all three games, setting the tone from the jump.
Mookie and Kiké Went Full-Throttle Against Freeland
Man, did the Dodgers ever jump on Kyle Freeland! In the top of the second, after an infield single from Mookie Betts, Kyle Tucker and Kiké Hernández smacked a pair of two-out singles to grab an early 1-0 lead. That was Hernández’s first RBI since way back on May 26, when he also hit a solo home run against Freeland. Talk about knowing your opponent! Betts wasn’t done, though. After Freeland worked around a walk in the third, Betts got him again in the fourth, launching a solo shot for his fourth career home run against the guy. It was Mookie’s first home run at Coors Field since June 28, 2023. Then, after Tucker ripped his second single off Freeland, Kiké Hernández went absolutely deep, sending a sky-scraping fly ball just over the left field wall to push the lead to four runs. Hernández now boasts two home runs and five RBI on the season, with both homers and four of those RBI coming against Freeland alone. Freeland’s night ended early after that, clutching his back after just 66 pitches, reportedly due to neck tightness. That’s a tough exit for any pitcher.
Sasaki Battled, Freeman Struggled, and Manfredi Made His Debut
On the mound for the Dodgers, Roki Sasaki battled through some jams, keeping his strong second half of the season alive. He faced trouble in the bottom of the second after a walk put men on the corners with two outs. But catcher Ben Rortvedt made a huge play, gunning down Brett Sullivan trying to swipe second, shutting down the rally. Sasaki again found himself in a tight spot in the fourth with runners at second and third and only one out. A bad route from Teoscar Hernández on a line drive from Adael Amador cost Sasaki a shot at a scoreless outing, but he held strong, retiring five of the next six hitters he faced. He finished his night after five innings and 99 pitches. Mark Manfredi came in relief of Freeland for the Rockies, making his major league debut. After allowing a pair of two-out baserunners, he settled down big time, retiring the next four men he saw. His first career strikeout in the big leagues? None other than Freddie Freeman, who had a game he’d probably rather forget at the plate, striking out three times after going 5-8 over the first two games of the series.
This three-game sweep is a big statement for the Dodgers right now. They showed serious grit in those 28 innings and found ways to score consistently, even when the games got tight. That kind of team form and resilience is exactly what you want to see heading into the next series, building momentum with every single pitch.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by True Blue LA.
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