The Sim Dodgers made quick work of the Sim Rockies on Thursday, dispatching them by a score of 9-1. The Dodgers (32-30) rode a seven run second inning and a typically masterful Clayton Kershaw vs the Rockies performance to open up the four game set in Sim Chavez Ravine.
Second Inning Woes
Kyle Freeland, to this point, has been the most reliable of the Rockies pitchers, the only one maintaining an ERA under 3. It’s a testament to how good he’s been that that remains true after Thursday’s disaterous outing. After starting the second inning with a strikeout of Max Muncy, the next two batters reached before Freeland struck out Will Smith. All he had to do was retire Clayton Kershaw and he’d be out of trouble. And he did! He got Kershaw to strike out, but the ball got away from catcher Elias Diaz and Kershaw was aboard and a runner was in.
The wheels came off after that. Justin Turner singled in a run, Corey Seager doubled in another. Mookie Betts walked to load the bases and reigning MVP Cody Bellinger hit a two-run double to chase Kyle Freeland from the game. Both runners would come around to score after Antonio Senzatela was brought in, but all seven runs that crossed the plate in the inning were charged to K-Free. He finished with seven runs on six hits with one walk over 1 2⁄3 innings. All three of his strikeouts came in the second inning. Oh, what might have been.
Kershaw dominant
Yes, Kershaw dominated the Rockies again. This is one of those situations where it makes more sense to credit the pitcher than to blame the offense, though the Rockies offense has been struggling lately. He struck out ten batters while allowing just one run on four hits with two walks over eight innings of work.
Full Video
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Up Next
Game two of the series is Friday, though there will be no broadcast. For the Rockies, Chi Chi González (1-5, 5.47 ERA) will start, and Julio Urías (4-3, 4.89 ERA) will for the Dodgers.