Dodgers unable to get offense going, fall at home to Rockies

The Dodgers’ offense couldn’t get anything going, as they scored only two runs in their 4-2 loss to the Rockies. All six runs scored on the night came courtesy of home runs.

LA scored their lone runs in the third inning, as Will Smith and Trea Turner each hit a solo home run. Outside of those two long balls, the offense recorded only four hits over the entire course of the game. The Dodgers didn’t even have a runner in scoring position until the ninth inning.

Mookie Betts hit a single to begin the ninth inning and advanced to second base on a wild pitch with no outs. The Dodgers had numerous chances with the tying run at the plate but couldn’t do anything. Max Muncy pinch-hit for Albert Pujols, working the count full. He swung at what would have been ball four.

Up next was Corey Seager, who jumped ahead to a 3-0 count. Instead of taking ball four, he swung and missed at the next pitch. With a full count, Seager looked at what should have been ball four but was called a strike. AJ Pollock was LA’s last hope, but he struck out swinging to end the game.

“We chased,” Dave Roberts said following the game. “It just seemed like we chased. That inning certainly didn’t cost us the game. Striking out 12 times, no walks. Not a good performance offensively.”

Although some calls didn’t go the Dodgers’ way in the ninth inning, they shouldn’t have been in that position to begin with. Going eight innings without putting a runner in scoring position against the Rockies at home is just unacceptable and shouldn’t happen with this loaded lineup.

Making his second career start was Andre Jackson. After debuting for LA last week against the Pirates, Jackson was called up by the Dodgers on Friday to toss the bulk of innings. He was able to give the Dodgers 4 ²⁄₃ innings, throwing 77 pitches. The lone run he allowed came off a home run from CJ Cron.

He walked two batters in the fifth to put two on with only one out. Jackson was able to escape the game unharmed as he recorded back-to-back outs.

“I practice making pitches when I need to,” Jackson said. “Practice in that compete mode, so when you get in those situations in the game it’s natural.”

Through two starts, Jackson has looked pretty solid, especially considering he barely spent any time at the Triple-A level. He’s allowed one run in 8 ²⁄₃ innings and has seven strikeouts. When the Dodgers have needed an arm to take down a bulk of the innings in bullpen games, Jackson has done a solid job.

The Dodgers will still be without Clayton Kershaw for some more time, leaving an open spot in the starting rotation for a few more turns.

“We’re going to talk about it,” Roberts said when asked if we could see more of Jackson in the coming weeks. “Looking out at the schedule and seeing what makes sense for him to make starts and pitch bulk innings. He’s doing exactly what we need from him.”

When asked about it following the game, Jackson said he’s willing to do whatever the Dodgers need from him, whether that’s throwing one inning or seven innings.

Jackson relieved Brusdar Graterol, who was the opener for the Dodgers. He allowed a two-run homer to Charlie Blackmon, who continues to torch LA at the plate. In only 13 games against the Dodgers, Blackmon has four home runs. In all his other games, he has SIX! Cut it out, Charlie.

After Jackson was Justin Bruihl and Shane Greene, who combined to throw two scoreless innings with three strikeouts. Alex Vesia came in with two outs in the ninth, needing only three pitches for a strikeout. He came back out in the ninth and allowed a leadoff home run to Elias Diaz. For Vesia, that’s only his second earned run over his last 21 games.

Friday particulars

WP: Kyle Freeland (5-6) 6 IP, 2 ER, 4 H, 7 SO

LP: Andre Jackson (0-1) 4 ²⁄₃ IP, 1 ER, 2 SO, 2 BB

SV: Carlos Estevez (3) 1 IP, 0 ER

HR: Will Smith (21) Trea Turner (20) Charlie Blackmon (10) CJ Cron (23) Elias Diaz (15)

Box score

Up next

The Dodgers will look to get back in the win column as David Price takes the mound for LA on Saturday. First pitch is at 6:10 p.m. PT.