Rockies spoil weekend with 5-0 win over the Dodgers

When the Dodger highlight is setting a new franchise record in a low-level pitching statistic, you know what kind of game was played at Dodger Stadium this Sunday afternoon.

Justin Turner made his first career appearance on the mound in the top of the ninth inning and he was able to get three outs to become the 26th player to get a game finished this season for the Dodgers. The 2018 Dodgers had 25 players with at least one game finished.

However, that was it for the Dodgers as the Colorado Rockies won 5-0 to take the weekend series and the Dodgers cannot take advantage of the Giants losing to the Braves earlier today. This was only the fifth time this season the Dodgers were shutout.

Antonio Senzatela pitched an efficient seven scoreless innings to keep the punchless Dodgers off the bases and scoreboard. He allowed just two hits and a walk on just 90 pitches.

Mitch White was neither efficient nor dominant for the Dodgers today. He gave up a three-run home run to C.J. Cron in the first inning which meant the Dodgers had not scored first in any of the three games this weekend.

White had gotten behind 2-0 to Cron and with first base open, it was no time to throw a hittable pitch.

The score was still 3-0 when Joe Kelly came in to pitch the seventh. Kelly was not sharp as he was responsible for two runs while just getting two outs.

The one chance the Dodgers had to get back in the game was when Corey Seager and Cody Bellinger got singles in the bottom of the fifth. But with runners on first and third and one out, Senzatela struck out Billy McKinney and Austin Barnes then grounded out to end the threat.

Notable pitching appearances

Kenley Jansen entered the game in the eighth inning with the Dodgers down by five runs. It was his first time coming into game with the Dodgers down by that many runs since August 15, 2019. Two notes about that game, Jansen had not pitched since August 10th and the Dodgers had a 19½ game lead in the NL West after that game.

As noted above, Justin Turner became the second position player to pitch for the Dodgers this season. The other one, Andy Burns, made his pitching debut on June 12, 2021.

Eric Stephen tweeted this note about Turner’s appearance.

Sunday particulars

Home runs: C.J. Cron (24)

WP — Antonio Senzatela (3-9): 7 IP, no runs, 2 hits, 1 walk, 5 strikeouts

LP — Mitch White (1-2): 3⅓ IP, 6 hits, 3 runs, 2 walks, 6 strikeouts

Up next

The Dodgers will continue their home stand with the Atlanta Braves coming in for three games starting Monday at 7:10 p.m PDT. A pair of left-handed pitchers are scheduled to start, Julio Urías for the Dodgers and Drew Smyly will take the mound for the Braves.