Dodgers squander opportunities in finale with Rockies

The Dodgers blew two leads, then nearly came back, but missed opportunities ran rampant in a 9-6 loss to the Rockies on getaway day Sunday at Coors Field.

There were runs to be had in this game in Denver, akin to the vintage days of this ballpark, like a slot machine spitting out coins after a jackpot. But early on, both teams took what they could, but seemed to leave some on the table, too.

The Dodgers had rookie Antonio Senzatela on the ropes in the first inning. Corey Seager hit a two-run home run, then the Dodgers put two on with one out with Chris Taylor at the plate. Inexplicably, Taylor bunted and not only did it take the Dodgers out of a bigger inning, it ended the threat all together, with Justin Turner tagged out running home, and Yasmani Grandal nailed trying to advance from first to third base.

The Rockies returned the favor in the fourth inning, when they had runners on first and second base with one out, only to see trail runner DJ LeMahieu hung out to dry running to second as Charlie Blackmon faked a steal of third.

Julio Urias, who allowed two runs in his first three starts combined, allowed three runs in the first inning thanks to four straight Rockies hits to open the frame. The big blow was a double by Nolan Arenado, one pitch after first baseman Chase Utley couldn’t rein in a catchable pop up in foul territory.

Up 4-3 in the fourth inning, Urias allowed a two-run home run to Pat Valaika, then didn’t record an out in the fifth inning. After hitting Blackmon to open the inning, Urias was pulled in favor of Sergio Romo, who one out later allowed a two-run shot to Nolan Arenado.

The Dodgers stranded two runners on base in the third, fifth, sixth and seventh innings.

After the Dodgers finally put a couple runs across in the eighth inning, the Rockies answered right back with another two-run shot from Valaika, this time off Chris Hatcher.

Notes

The top of the Rockies order wreaked havoc on the Dodgers, with Blackmon, LeMahieu and Arenado combining for eight hits, five runs, and three RBI.

Grandal was 3-for-4 with a walk, extending his hitting streak to eight games. He has 14 hits in his last 23 at-bats.

Up next

The Dodgers move on to San Francisco for three games to finish off the road trip. Brandon McCarthy starts the series opener on Monday night, a 7:15 p.m. PT start, facing Matt Cain and the Giants.

Sunday particulars

Home runs: Corey Seager (6), Yasiel Puig (7); Pat Valaika 2 (3), Nolan Arenado (9)

WP - Antonio Senzatela (6-1): 5 IP, 7 hits, 4 runs, 3 walks, 5 strikeouts

LP - Julio Urias (0-1): 4+ IP, 7 hits, 6 runs, 1 walk, 1 strikeout

Sv - Greg Holland (16): 1 IP, 3 strikeouts