With Nolan Arenado out of the lineup, it was still the Rockies third baseman that broke the hearts of the Dodgers on Saturday night, as Ryan McMahon hit a walk-off three-run home run in a 3-2 Rockies win. It was the second straight night McMahon hit a late home run to secure a win.
The Rockies managed just four hits, all singles, and hit into three double plays in the first eight innings. However, Trevor Story had a one-out double in the ninth, Arenado was hit by a pitch in a pinch hitting appearance and McMahon walked it off after an Ian Desmond fielder’s choice.
McMahon’s heroics overshadowed another great outing from the pitching staff, which held the Dodgers’ potent offense to just two runs and saw starter Kyle Freeland post a career-high 10 strikeouts.
McMahon the Hero Again
When Nolan Arenado left Friday’s game with a sore shoulder, Rockies fans were (justifiably) concerned. Ryan McMahon has done his best to alleviate those concerns, hitting clutch home runs in back-to-back games, including the walk-off tonight.
So clutch. #walkoff pic.twitter.com/RPuO0a7Mzl
— MLB (@MLB) August 12, 2018
A Kyle Freeland Day
After some struggles early, Rockies starter Kyle Freeland continued his excellent season, especially at Coors Field. The Dodgers managed a run against Freeland in each of the first two innings, but were completely shut down after that as he allowed just those two runs in seven innings of work, walking two and striking out a career-high 10. The Dodgers had just one hit against him after the second inning. He threw 111 pitches, 70 for strikes.
Looking Ahead
The Rockies will look to win the series and move to within a half game of the Dodgers in the standing tomorrow behind Chad Bettis. Rich Hill will get the start on the mound for LA. First pitch is scheduled for 1:10 p.m. Mountain time.