Dodgers Highlights: Urias Recovers, Seager Smooth, Mookie Does Mookie Things
Once again, Dodgers starting pitcher Julio Urias struggled out of the gate. The lefty gave up 2 runs in the first inning but rebounded to retire the next 13 batters before a runner reached on an error in the 6th.
That will do it for Julio Urías. He allowed two runs in the first, then retired 13 straight batters before Tapia reached by error. Leaves with two outs in the sixth at 77 pitches.
— Dodger Insider (@DodgerInsider) September 18, 2020
The LA offense got going on a solo home run off the bat of Corey Seager, a shot that got out of Coors Field in a hurry…
Corey rakes. pic.twitter.com/c1BlWI0wHD
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) September 18, 2020
#Dodgers 1 @ #Rockies 2 [T4-0o]:
Corey Seager homers (13): line drive to RF (solo)
Hit: 424ft, 109.9mph, 20°?
Pitch: 88.7mph Changeup (LHP Kyle Freeland, 7)
— Home Run Tracker (@DingerTracker) September 18, 2020
The game stayed mostly quiet for the next few innings save for when the Dodgers tied it up at 2-2 after Kiké Hernandez made Chase Utley proud on a bases loaded hit by pitch.
The momentum shift inning happened for the Dodgers in the top of the 7th when they posted a 6 spot in a nightmare inning for the Rockies. Sparked by a key walk from Edwin “Big Daddy” Rios, Mookie Betts continued his torrid late game offensive heroics with an RBI single, driving home Enrique Hernandez. Seager then scorched another ball to the deepest part of the park for another daily double and a run batted in. Corey finished his night a triple shy of the cycle.
The biggest blow came off the bat of the red hot Will Smith, knocking in two.
Two huge runs to pad the #Dodgers lead at Coors! pic.twitter.com/0fdjGp8Ukt
— SportsNet LA (@SportsNetLA) September 18, 2020
Will Smith has 17 hits, including five doubles and two home runs, in 11 September games.
— Dodger Insider (@DodgerInsider) September 18, 2020
A Colorado passed ball capped the scoring for LA in the inning.
Joe Kelly made his first appearance since early August and retired the only batter he faced on a ground out, making his mural proud.
Almost immediately afterwards, Eddie Rios dropped a big daddy to the right field seats. And I mean a biiiiiig daddy… the ball traveled 424ft and came off the bat at 110.4mph.
Effortless power from @Edwin_Rios30. ? pic.twitter.com/KMmLCyVeXj
— SportsNet LA (@SportsNetLA) September 18, 2020
Adam Kolarek served up a monster solo shot to Trevor Story that might still be flying. It was the first homer Kolarek has allowed this season. Josh Sborz recorded the final four outs of the ballgame.
The Dodgers are 5-2 against the Rockies in 2020.
Up Next
LA and Colorado continue their four game set with Dave Roberts calling Friday another bullpen game for the club — possible Mitch White, who is on the taxi squad. The Rockies counter with righty Ryan Castellani (2-1, 4.46). First pitch is at 5:10 PM PT on Spectrum SportsNet LA.
NEXT: Dave Roberts Updates on Joc Pederson
Good knowing that Dodgers and certainly Roberts now realize that Will Smith should be in there from here on out, even if it means a day at DH. Besides. Ya can’t remove a guy good enough to be part of the middle of your lineup. It’s also no secret that Smith has the best power of any home grown Dodger catcher since Mike Piazza.
It amazes me to think of how more dangerous this Dodger lineup would be with a few less strikeouts. BTW it’s a given that Bellinger right now is a far cry from the hitter he was for most of 2019.
The resurgence of Will Smith is huge. Prior to this, the catcher position had been the biggest weakness for the Dodgers. If he can continue this through the postseason, it will be a real strength. The timing looks ideal since the postseason is right around the corner. The closer spot is now the only weakness for the Dodgers. We need to get someone (or multiple guys) in there who can shut hitters down. The bullpen is strong, and there are multiple guys who could step into the closer role. Gonsolin or May could do it as well, since the 4 guy in the rotation may not get much opportunity to start. We can’t afford to throw away any close games in the postseason. We need a shutdown closer who can retire the side in order.