Dodgers Recap: Kershaw Calms the Waters as Dodgers Bounce Back in Denver

DENVER — After a flat, embarrassing showing on Wednesday night, the Dodgers needed a reset. As he’s done so many times throughout his Hall of Fame career, Clayton Kershaw provided just that. Kersh steadied the ship on Thursday afternoon in Denver, guiding Los Angeles to a 9–5 victory over the Rockies and securing a series split.

Kershaw in Command

Kershaw wasn’t dominant in a strikeout sense, but he was efficient, attacking the zone, inducing weak contact, and working quickly through the Rockies’ lineup. He went 5.2 innings, allowing three runs on six hits while striking out three. Importantly, he limited damage early and kept the Dodgers in control after the offense jumped out to a quick lead. It was classic Kershaw—pounding the strike zone, forcing grounders, and setting the tone.

Offense Awakens After Wednesday’s Snooze

The bats wasted no time getting back on track after being nearly invisible the night before. Mookie Betts drew a walk to start the game, and Freddie Freeman immediately cashed in with a two-run homer to center, his 16th of the season. The Dodgers piled on with consistent production throughout the first four innings, knocking Colorado starter Chase Dollander out before the end of the fourth.

Andy Pages added his 21st home run in the fifth, a solo shot that stretched the lead. Pages also doubled, walked, and stole a base, continuing his strong rookie campaign. Freeman finished with two hits and two RBIs, while Will Smith chipped in with a pair of two-out RBIs and an insurance knock in the eighth. Contributions came from up and down the lineup—exactly what the Dodgers needed after Wednesday’s lethargic effort. And once again, a little love due to Alex Call—he got a hit, an RBI, and was on base three times. More of this from the bottom of the order, please.

Rockies Hang Around, But Never Threaten

Colorado managed to push across runs here and there—Hunter Goodman’s groundout in the first, Brenton Doyle’s sacrifice fly in the fourth, and later Doyle’s two-run homer in the eighth—but they never really threatened to flip the script. The Dodgers’ bullpen bent but didn’t break. Ben Casparius, Matt Sauer, and Alex Vesia combined to cover the final 3.1 innings, with Vesia slamming the door in the ninth.

What’s Next: First Place on the Line

The win pushes the Dodgers to 73–55 and keeps them atop the NL West, but the real test comes this weekend. A massive three-game set in San Diego begins Friday night. Blake Snell takes the ball for Los Angeles against Yu Darvish for the Padres in the opener. With just a game separating the rivals, whoever wins the series will leave Petco Park in first place.

Final Word

This was exactly the kind of game the Dodgers needed: a vintage Kershaw start to restore order, a lively offense to erase the bad taste from Wednesday, and momentum heading into a critical divisional showdown. The split in Denver might not look flashy in the standings, but it could prove pivotal if the Dodgers use it as a springboard in San Diego.

Have you subscribed to the Bleed Los Podcast YouTube channel? Be sure to ring the notification bell to watch player interviews, participate in shows & promotions, and stay up to date on all Dodgers news and rumors!