Dodgers Recap: Buehler strikes out nine, but offense searches in vain for key hit

Dodgers lose a key game to the Rockies 6-3. Photo LA Dodgers
Dodgers lose a key game to the Rockies 6-3. Photo LA Dodgers

Game 155, 9/21/2024: Dodgers 3, Rockies 6

CHAVEZ RAVINE, CA — The Los Angeles Dodgers came into tonight’s game with a half-game lead over the Philidelphia Phillies after the Fightin’ Phil’s lost to the New York Mets 6-3. Unfortunately, the Dodgers dropped game two of the series with the Colorado Rockies by the identical score and remained tied with the Phillies for the best record in the National League. Not only that, they also gave up ground to the Padres, who now trail the Dodgers by just three games in the NL West.

The Rockies got on the board first with help from Dodgers misplays and errors. The Dodgers’ defense and Buehler’s struggles made for a rough first two innings of the game, which gave the Rockies a 3-0 lead.

Buehler settled in in the third inning and struck out the side. The Dodgers offense fed off the Buehler with a Shohei Ohtani walk and Mookie Betts home run to put the Dodgers within one of the Rockies. Freddie Freeman hit another opposite field single, and Teoscar Hernandez came to the plate. Unfortunately, Teo hit a line drive to the third baseman for the third out.

Dodgers X

In the bottom of the fourth, Max Muncy got a walk and Gavin Lux got back to his hitting ways for a single that put two runners on. Miguel Rojas hit a sacrifice fly that moved Muncy to third base and the rookie Hunter Feduccia came up to bat and hit his first RBI single that tied the game 3-3. But once again, they couldn’t capitalize on their opportunity and left two men on base.

After five and third innings, Alex Vesia came in to relieve Buehler. Buehler locked it in after the second inning and retired nine straight Rockies and struck out a season high nine batters. Buehler’s line for the night 89P / 58S / 5.1IP / 5H / 4R / 4ER / 1BB / 9K / 1HR / 5.63ERA. Buehler’s fastball and curveball looked really good tonight.

The Dodgers had chances to really break the game open in the fifth and sixth innings but left eight runners on base. The team was 1-for-8 with runners in scoring position and left a dozen runners stranded on the base paths. No Bueno.

The Rockies sealed the game in the top of the nineth when Charlie Blackmon hit his 11th home run of season to right field, putting the Rockies up six to three. The Dodgers offense couldn’t get into a groove tonight and struggled to score runs in the early innings. In the ninth inning, the Dodgers left the bases loaded for the second time with a Max Muncy strikeout. Offense line for the night 3 runs / 33AB / 7H / 7BB / 8K / 12LOB / 1 for 8 with RISP.

Sunday’s afternoon game is going to be a must win to keep their lead over the Padres.  Yoshinobu Yamamoto takes the mound for the Dodgers and the Dodgers offense will face Rockies Antonio Senzatela. Game three starts at 1:10pm PT and can be seen on SportsNet LA.

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Written by Mike Salas

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