It wasn't always pretty, but the Dodgers took advantage of some Rockies' mistakes early, and made it hold up, giving the Dodgers a 7-6 win and a sweep at Coors Field.
The Dodgers got new life in the top of the third, when a potential inning-ending grounder to third base was booted by Ian Stewart, loading the bases. After a walk by James Loney brought in one run, Matt Kemp hit an opposite field grand slam to give the Dodgers a 5-1 lead.
Carlos Monasterios had a big lead, but couldn't quite get through the required five innings to earn the win. But, considering Monasterios hasn't pitched five innings in over a month, today figured to be a bullpen day anyway. Even Jeff Weaver, who hadn't pitched in 11 days, although he only pitched to one batter, retiring Melvin Mora with the bases loaded to end the eighth inning.
Loney, in addition to driving in two runs today (meaning he needs exactly three solo home runs, and nothing else to hit 13 homers and 90 RBI again), made two spectacular fielding plays at first base. He robbed Dexter Fowler of a potential triple in the third inning, then beat him to the bag for the unassisted out. Then, with the bases loaded, Loney made another great stop of a liner by Ian Stewart in the fourth. A run scored on the play, but it could have been much worse.
Hong-Chih Kuo pitched a scoreless eighth inning, putting him two scoreless innings away from the lowest ERA in Dodger history.
Ronald Belisario was shaky in the ninth inning, allowing two hits, a walk, and and a run, but held on for his second save of the season.
The Dodgers are done on the road now. All they have left are three games left at Dodger Stadium. Unless they change their minds again, the club will have Clayton Kershaw start Friday against Arizona.
UPDATE: After the game, on Dodger Talk, it was announced that John Ely would in fact start Friday, and not Kershaw. I give up.
WP - Ramon Troncoso (2-3): 1 1/3 IP, 2 hits, 1 strikeout
LP - Jhoulyis Chacin (9-11): 5 IP, 4 hits, 7 runs (2 earned), 3 walks, 7 strikeouts
Sv - Ronald Belisario (2): 1 IP, 2 hits, 1 run, 1 walk