A Historic Ninth-Inning Comeback Lifts Dodgers Past Rockies
In a dramatic game filled with monumental swings, the Los Angeles Dodgers pulled off an electrifying 11-9 victory over the Colorado Rockies on Tuesday night. This win broke a longstanding curse for the Dodgers, who had not won a game when trailing by five or more runs in the ninth inning or later since 1957 — a span of 1,137 consecutive losses.
This triumphant moment saw pivotal contributions from Jason Heyward and Teoscar Hernandez during a memorable seven-run explosion in the ninth inning, turning the Dodgers' fortune around in an awe-inspiring manner.
A Record-Breaking Streak Ends
Until Tuesday, the Dodgers had amassed a woeful record of 6-2,619 when trailing by five or more runs in the ninth inning or later. Their seven runs in the ninth marked their highest total in such a scenario since 2004 against the San Francisco Giants. This victory not only ended their ignominious streak but also underscored the resilience and determination of the team.
Jason Heyward's pinch-hit grand slam off Tyler Kinley set the stage for an unforgettable ending. The bases were loaded following walks by Andy Pages and Miguel Vargas and a single by Miguel Rojas, leading to Heyward’s splendid fourth career grand slam that hit the right-field foul pole. This was Heyward's fourth home run of the season, narrowing the gap that once seemed insurmountable.
Heroics from Hernandez
Teoscar Hernandez added to the ninth-inning heroics with a clutch three-run homer. His hit not only put the Dodgers ahead but also made history as it was the first time in their 140-year history that the team hit both a grand slam and a three-run homer in the ninth inning.
Hernandez, previously at a 1-2 fastball, hesitated on a half-swing. First base umpire Lance Barksdale ruled Hernandez did not commit to the swing, a decision which sparked anger from Colorado's manager Bud Black, leading to his ejection. Hernandez managed to redirect his frustration into a powerful swing that sent the ball over the fence, sealing the Rockies’ fate.
"It was close. You can call it either way, and it will be fine," Hernandez remarked post-game. "When Jason hit the grand slam, and turning the lineup over to [Shohei] Ohtani, you know something was going to happen. I just wanted to get a good pitch to hit to tie the game. I put a little extra, and it went over the fence. I knew it as soon as I hit it. It felt great, especially because it put the team ahead."
Rockies' Valiant Effort
While the night ended in disappointment for the Rockies, noteworthy performances came from Elehuris Montero and Brenton Doyle, both of whom homered. Doyle also added three singles for his first career four-hit game, including a diving catch in the seventh inning to preserve an 8-4 lead.
Rockies starter Walker Buehler endured a challenging night, giving up eight hits and seven runs in four innings. It marked the first time the veteran right-hander allowed more than three earned runs since his return in May after Tommy John surgery.
"When I'm running in [before the last of the ninth]," lamented Rockies’ Jake Cave, "Barksdale looked me right in the face and goes, 'Cave, it's not even close.' Everybody in the world could see it was at least close. And he did swing. It's a big game. It's one of the best teams in baseball, and we're battling with them. That game's won on that swing."
The Game's Final Moments
Relief pitcher Evan Phillips was called upon to secure the victory for the Dodgers. He faced Hunter Goodman with a runner on second and managed to clinch the win, recording his 11th save in as many opportunities. Post-game tensions flared as Jake Cave had to be restrained from confronting Barksdale, adding another layer of drama to an already intense matchup.
For the Dodgers, the game's dramatic finale is a testament to their perseverance and ability to deliver under pressure, an encouraging sign as they move forward this season. Manager Dave Roberts couldn’t have been prouder, stating, "It was quality at-bats up and down the lineup. Jason was ready when called upon. Teo keeps coming up with big hits. That inning, certainly, the results showed the fight, the compete."
The Dodgers have now won four of their last five games and boast an impressive record against Colorado, standing at 73-32 since 2018. Conversely, the Rockies have lost five out of their last six games, with this latest defeat signaling a need to regroup and reassess.
Michael Petersen, making his major league debut for the Dodgers, also contributed significantly by working two innings and striking out two, embracing the moment with exuberance. "It was crazy. You can't feel anything. It's like your first date; you are tripping over stuff. But awesome," Petersen reflected.
As the season continues, this game will be remembered not just for its historical significance, but as a powerful reminder of the unpredictable and exhilarating nature of baseball.