Recap: Bolsinger And Grandal Lead Dodgers To Win, Series Split
Adrian Gonzalez beat the Rockies’ shift with a two-out line-drive base hit into center field and it was followed by Turner drawing a two-out walk. Grandal capitalized on the Dodgers’ biggest threat of the day by lacing an RBI single past a diving Rafael Ynoa.
Nick Hundley and Descalso both singled in the fifth inning to put runners on the corners with one out for Kendrick. The Rockies’ starter struck out on a failed sacrifice bunt attempt and Bolsinger got out of the jam by striking out Charlie Blackmon for a third time.
Blackmon was upset with called strike two, yelled after chasing a pitch outside of the zone for strike three and was ejected by home plate umpire Marty Foster. Kendrick kept the Rockies within a run by getting through the six inning on three ground ball outs.
Bolsinger issued a leadoff walk in the sixth and had a brush with danger when facing Arenado. Similar to Gonzalez earlier in the game, Arenado nearly gave the Rockies a lead with a two-run home run but the ball hooked left of the foul pole.
Arenado wound up striking out as he couldn’t check his swing and Rosario grounded out to end the inning with the Dodgers still leading, 1-0. Kendrick walked Jimmy Rollins to open the bottom of the sixth and issued consecutive walks to Turner and Grandal to load the bases with two outs.
Ethier was unable to extend the Dodgers’ slim lead as he made good contact but lined out right to Stubbs in center field and Kendrick escaped trouble. Yimi Garcia took over in the seventh and dusted off his previous two rough outings by collecting a pair of strikeouts in a scoreless inning of relief.
Chris Hatcer matched Garcia by striking out two in the eighth and protecting the Dodgers’ 1-0 lead. The Dodgers were quieted in the eighth and it set the stage for Kenley Jansen to earn his first save of the season.
Beginning with Carlos Gonzalez, Jansen mowed down the Rockies’ 3-4-5 batters to convert the save and give the Dodgers a series split.
[divide]Don Mattingly Discusses Plan For Bullpen With Kenley Jansen Closing
Bolsinger very impressive. He pitches. Did not hit 90 all night simply kept batters off balance. This is the 3rd start he has done this so it is not a fluke the guy knows how to pitch. Was able to go a solid 6 and not have the BP getting up and down. Really good outing. I have been very negative on Grandal I have to say he has done a great job this month and has thrown out some runners. Jansen is just nasty with his stuff.