May 12, 2017

The Dodgers needed a win and Clayton Kershaw came through like he has many times before.  The Dodgers’ ace pitched 7 strong innings, and Cody Bellinger hit his team-leading 7th homer of the season as the Dodgers beat the Rockies 6-2 at Coors Field on Friday night.

Kershaw (6-2) allowed just two runs on seven hits, but managed to pitch his way out of trouble repeatedly.  He was also supported by three double plays turned by the Dodgers’ defense.

When the Dodgers score 4 or more runs, Kershaw is a lifetime 89-0.  He’s also 20-6 in his career versus the Rockies, surpassing the win total of left-hander Randy Johnson.

LA got 5 runs in the 2nd inning, highlighted by a 2-run triple by Chase Utley.  Joc Pederson followed with an RBI double, then Corey Seager delivered a 2-run double.

The Rockies would get a couple of runs back in the 3rd and 4th off of Kershaw.  DJ LeMahiedu hit an RBI single, then Carlos Gonzales added a run-scoring single of his own.

Rockies’ starter Tyler Chatwood (3-5) took the loss, giving up 5 runs in 4 1/3 innings.  He left after 85 pitches.

The 5 runs were all the offense that Kershaw would need.  Bellinger’s solo homer in the 8th would add some extra insurance.  The victory pulled the Dodgers within 1.5 games of the 1st place Rockies.

The Dodgers used Luis Avilan, Pedro Baez, and Kenley Jansen out of the bullpen to shutdown the Rockies after Kershaw departed after 7.  Baez and Avilan combined to strike out the side in the 8th inning.

The Dodgers and Rockies will play game three of their four game set on Saturday night.  Alex Wood (3-0, 2.73 ERA) will get the start for LA, while Colorado will go with Tyler Anderson (2-3, 6.69 ERA).