Recap: Dodgers Offense Flexes Its Muscle as Dodgers Take Pivotal Series Opener

With the NL West on the line, Monday evening’s series opener between the division’s top contenders was an opportunity to make a statement.  The Dodgers’ bats were loud and the pitching assertive en route to a dominant 8-2 victory, lifting the Dodgers into sole possession of 1st.

There were plenty of highlights in this one as the offense made quick work of Colorado starter Jon Gray, who lasted only 2 innings.  Joc Pederson took just 4 pitches to make his statement, launching a towering leadoff home run into left field.

How do you kick off a big series?

Like this. pic.twitter.com/CcwyFmtzSm

— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) September 18, 2018

After a walk and a single from Puig, a wild pitch from Gray scored the Dodgers 2nd run of the inning.

In the bottom of the 3rd, Muncy added the exclamation mark.  On the 1st pitch of the at-bat, Max unloaded on a hanging slider that landed half-way up the bleachers in left, putting the Dodgers up 6-0 before Gray could log an out.

Maximum power, Maximum results. pic.twitter.com/RgKF6NOyms

— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) September 18, 2018

Hyun-Jin Ryu was just as dominant, shutting out the potent Rockies offense over a masterful 7 innings of work.  Ryu allowed just 4 hits, while logging 5 strikeouts, and handed the ball over to the bullpen in the 8th after 93 pitches.

Alex Wood was the first man out of the ‘pen, taking the mound with a lopsided 8-0 lead after Joc launched his 2nd home run of the evening.

In his 1st appearance since being transitioned to the bullpen, Wood was the only concerning thing about this game.  After a walk and a hit-batter, LeMahieu singled in the Rockies 1st run of the game, effectively ending Wood’s short-lived debut.  John Axford was next in line, allowing an RBI single from Nolan Arenado before finishing out the 8th.

After loading the bases, but failing to push one across in the bottom of the 8th, the freshly recalled Yimi Garcia was brought it to close out the 9th.  Yimi logged the 1st 2 outs of the inning, and passed the last out of the game onto Tony Cingrani, who looked crisp despite pitching for the 1st time in 3 months after being shelved for a shoulder injury.

Looking ahead…

Clayton Kershaw will be on the mound as the Dodgers look to clinch the series victory and add to their lead in the NL West.  It will be no easy task, as Rockies’ ace Kyle Freeland will certainly be looking to help his team bounce back from their poor showing tonight.

One thing to note, the Rockies will likely be without their hottest hitter, Trevor Story, who was lifted in the 4th inning after an awkward swing and apparent injury.