Shohei Ohtani started the game with his 21st home run of the season. Will Smith and Freddie Freeman followed with consecutive home runs in the fourth inning, helping the Los Angeles Dodgers defeat the Colorado Rockies 5-3 on Thursday.
Ohtani’s homer was his fourth in five games. Smith and Freeman each hit their 11th home run, giving the Dodgers a 5-0 lead against Ty Blach (3-5) and securing three wins out of four games against the Rockies.
“Getting off to a quick start was crucial,” remarked Dodgers manager Dave Roberts.
Ohtani has been impressive as the leadoff hitter, going 8 for 18 with two homers, three doubles, and six RBIs in four games, filling in after Mookie Betts injured his left hand from a pitch on Sunday.
“Wherever he hits, he’s dangerous,” Freeman commented about Ohtani. Jake Cave’s two-run single brought the Rockies to within 5-2 in the sixth inning. Ryan McMahon hit a 462-foot home run off Alex Vesia to lead off the eighth.
Evan Phillips closed out the game with a perfect ninth inning for his 12th save in as many opportunities, handing the Rockies their fourth loss in five games.
Gavin Stone (8-2) pitched 5 1/3 innings, allowing two runs on four singles. He matched a season-high with seven strikeouts, all swinging, walked two batters, and hit one.
“He’s been outstanding for us,” Roberts praised Stone. “He’s shown great improvement. As a starting pitcher, you evaluate if they have the tools to handle both left-handed and right-handed batters if they can control the game efficiently. Gavin has checked all those boxes and continues to improve.”
Stone used his mid-90s fastball for three strikeouts and achieved two strikeouts each with his curveball and changeup. Since April 26, he holds a 7-1 record with a 2.18 ERA in 10 starts.
