Dodgers Shutout For 10th Time In Loss To Rockies

There wasn't a lot to be said after Monday's 2-0 Dodgers loss to Colorado, as the postgame was about as productive as the Dodgers offense throughout the game.

Chris Capuano pitched well, especially after giving up runs in the first and third innings. Capuano retired nine of the final 11 batters he faced, including three strikeouts to give him six punchouts in the game.

"Cappy got better as the game went on," said manager Don Mattingly. "I thought he was a little rough early, but as the game went on he found his groove."

But Capuano took the loss because the Dodgers could not score against the Rockies pitching staff. They were 0-for-8 with runners in scoring position though as Mattingly put it, "I didn't feel like we had many guys out there, honestly."

Drew Pomeranz and Adam Ottavino combined to strikeout nine in seven innings, with Ottavino getting the win in relief.

"Drew and Adam for them just did a great job. We had some runners on but they always seemed to bear down and make good pitches when they had to," said Capuano. "Sometimes you run into a buzzsaw, and tonight they made some really good pitches."

The Dodgers were shutout for the 10th time all season, matching the Astros and Marlins for most in the National League.

Mattingly said he wouldn't manage any differently even though Rockies starters aren't allowed to pitch deep into games.

"You have to prepare for that (starter)," Mattingly said. "Most of our guys aren't coming out anyway."

Mattingly noted that even with the Rockies getting into their bullpen early he can usually get a matchup he wants. He did use Andre Ethier and James Loney even though they didn't start, and also moved Juan Rivera from first base to right field in the eighth inning.

On the trap single in the seventh inning, a play that was initially ruled a catch by Dexter Fowler, Mattingly said he didn't argue much on the play.

"I just wanted to get them to check with each other," Mattingly said. "It's the only thing I can do, really."

Mark Ellis hit a ball to the warning track immediately following the call that had it gone out would have given the Dodgers a 3-2 lead. Colorado manager Jim Tracy, who already was ejected for arguing the play, would have had new reason to go ballistic.

If Ellis ball had been HR, Fowler said smiling "Jim would have needed bail money. I would have. We might have forfeited"

— Troy Renck, Rockies (@TroyRenck) August 7, 2012

With the loss, the Dodgers and Giants matched results for the fourth consecutive day, and San Francisco leads the National League West by a half-game. But is Mattingly concerned about the possible distraction of scoreboard watching?

"I watch it from the beginning of the year," Mattingly said.

Up Next

The Dodgers look to get back on track on Tuesday, with Aaron Harang starting on seven days rest. Alex White gets the call for the Rockies in the second game of the series.