The Dodgers' Electrifying Comeback Victory Over the Rockies
In a game filled with dramatic swings, the Los Angeles Dodgers staged an extraordinary comeback to defeat the Colorado Rockies 11-9 on Tuesday night. The Dodgers, who had lost 1,137 consecutive games when trailing by five or more runs in the ninth inning or later dating back to 1957, finally broke their second-longest active losing streak in such scenarios.
Jason Heyward launched a pinch-hit grand slam, and Teoscar Hernandez added a three-run homer, all in a stunning seven-run ninth inning. This triumph improved the Dodgers' all-time record to 6-2,619 when trailing by five or more runs in the ninth inning or later. It was also the most runs the Dodgers had scored in a ninth inning since a game against the San Francisco Giants in 2004.
Heyward's Heroics
Jason Heyward’s fourth career grand slam, which came off Tyler Kinley, was the highlight of the night. This powerful hit followed walks by Andy Pages and Miguel Vargas and a single from Miguel Rojas. Heyward's fourth homer of the season struck the right-field foul pole, marking a turning point in the game and propelling the Dodgers to their improbable victory.
"I wasn't sure if it was going to stay fair or not," Heyward admitted. "It's Colorado, so maybe that helped it straighten out a little bit. I was like, 'Come on, squeak in, squeak in.' I honestly feel like we got rewarded for our process in the ninth."
Hernandez's Clutch Performance
Teoscar Hernandez set the stage for the Dodger's win with his pivotal three-run homer. His half-swing at a 1-2 fastball was initially ruled not a swing by first base umpire Lance Barksdale, a call vehemently contested by Colorado manager Bud Black, who was ejected from the game. Hernandez’s homer was his 18th of the season and extended the Dodgers' lead to 11-9.
"When Jason hit the grand slam and turned the lineup over to Ohtani, you know something was going to happen," said Hernandez. "I just wanted to get a good pitch to hit to tie the game. I put a little extra, and it went over the fence. I knew it as soon as I hit it."
Additional Drama
The tensions didn't end with the homer. After Hernandez's ball cleared the wall, Colorado right fielder Jake Cave began yelling at umpire Barksdale and had to be restrained by bench coach Mike Redmond. Rockies second baseman Alan Trejo intervened between Cave and Barksdale as the inning ended, illustrating the high stakes and high emotions of the game.
Dodgers’ Closer: Evan Phillips
Dodgers' relief pitcher Evan Phillips pitched flawlessly under pressure. He faced just one batter, Hunter Goodman, with a runner on second and successfully secured his 11th save in as many chances. This crucial out was a key factor in sealing the Dodgers' victory.
"It was quality at-bats up and down the lineup," Los Angeles manager Dave Roberts said. "Jason was ready when called upon. Teo, he keeps coming up with big hits. That inning, certainly, the results showed the fight, the compete."
Rockies' Initial Command
The Rockies initially dominated the game, with Elehuris Montero and Brenton Doyle each hitting a home run. Doyle had his first career four-hit game and made a remarkable diving catch of Shohei Ohtani's line drive in the seventh inning, preserving an 8-4 lead at that time.
Dodgers’ Starting Pitcher Challenges
Dodgers starter Walker Buehler struggled, giving up eight hits and seven runs in four innings. This was his first time allowing more than three earned runs since returning to the rotation after Tommy John surgery in 2023. Despite these challenges, the Dodgers’ bullpen, including reliever Michael Petersen in his major league debut, managed to hold the line.
Conclusion
With this victory, the Dodgers have won four of their last five games and maintain a dominant record against the Rockies, going 73-32 since 2018. Meanwhile, the Rockies have lost five of their last six games, struggling to find consistency.
Overall, this thrilling game will be remembered as one of the most remarkable comebacks in Dodgers' history, underscoring the resilience and tenacity of the team.