Dodgers Suffer Rare Shutout Loss In Denver

The Dodgers couldn't contain Tyler Colvin and Chris Nelson, while Rockies pitchers had little trouble subduing the new-look Los Angeles offense. An eight-inning explosion put the game away, and the result was a 10-0 Colorado victory in the opening game of a three-game series at Coors Field.

It was the fourth time the Dodgers have been shutout in 161 games in Denver since the Rockies began play in 1993.

Colvin hit the second pitch from Josh Beckett well into the right field seats for a 1-0 Rockies lead, but Beckett settled down after that. He allowed a pair of two-our RBI hits the rest of the way, including one in the sixth inning that ended his night.

Beckett struck out six in his 5 2/3 innings, allowing three runs on seven hits. For a first start, especially at Coors Field, it was pretty good. On most nights behind the new-look Dodgers offense it might have been enough for a win, but Monday was not most nights.

Just four hits were all the Dodgers could muster, two less than the Rockies got in the eighth inning alone, when they put up seven runs against a rusty Kenley Jansen and Josh Wall to turn a close game into a blowout.

Wall was recalled from Triple A on Monday, with Shawn Tolleson getting optioned to Class A Rancho Cucamonga, a move to help a bullpen that was taxed over the weekend.

Colvin also tripled and drove in three on the night, while Nelson tripled, doubled, and singled and score three times. All of that backed up Jeff Francis, who threw five scoreless innings to pick up the win. Since allowing a home run to Matt Kemp on August 8 at Dodger Stadium, Francis has pitched eight scoreless innings against the Dodgers.

There was a scary moment in the eighth, when Kemp hurt himself crashing into the center field wall trying to make a catch. After getting visited by assistant trainer Nancy Patterson, Kemp remained in the game. So at least there is that.

Up Next

Chris Capuano takes the mound on Tuesday night as the Dodgers try to snap a two-game losing streak. Tyler Chatwood gets the start for the Rockies.

Monday's Particulars

Home Runs: Tyler Colvin (15), Wilin Rosario (21)

WP - Jeff Francis (5-4): 5 IP, 3 hits, 1 walk, 6 strikeouts

LP - Josh Beckett (5-12): 5 2/3 IP, 7 hits, 3 runs, 3 walks, 6 strikeouts

Sv - Matt Belisle (2): 1 2/3 IP, 1 walk