Dodgers 6-4 Rockies (September 20, 2024) Match Report

LOS ANGELES – Shohei Ohtani set a major league record by hitting a home run and stealing a base for the 14th time in a game, and the Los Angeles Dodgers picked up their comeback on Friday night, beating the last-place Colorado Rockies 6-4.

The win reduced the Dodgers' magic number to four, leading the NL West, and clinched the division. Los Angeles has already secured a spot in the postseason.

With his 52nd home run and 52nd stolen base, Ohtani surpassed the previous record of 13 games with at least one base each, set by Rickey Henderson in 1986 with the New York Yankees.

“He's clearly outstanding,” said Dodgers manager Dave Roberts. “I think he's increased his focus.”

Teoscar Hernández hit a game-winning home run – his 30th – early in the sixth inning to give the Dodgers a 4-3 lead. He and Ohtani have hit home runs 11 times in the same game.

“It’s great to be a teammate of Shohei, especially because of the things he’s done this year,” Hernández said.

The Dodgers scored two more runs in the seventh inning. Pinch-hitter Tommy Edman scored on Mookie Betts' sacrifice fly. Ohtani hit an infield single to first base and then stole second. A throwing error by center fielder Sam Hilliard put him safe at third base and scored on Hernández's infield single.

Ohtani hit a game-winning home run with two outs in the fifth inning after Andy Pages opened the inning with a solo home run. It was Ohtani's 27th home run at Dodger Stadium, tying him with Cody Bellinger for the most home runs in a single season.

“Being able to cover the ball up in the zone, above the zone, covering most of the field, that's pretty spectacular,” Roberts said.

Ohtani hit a single in the third inning and finished the game with his 11th three-hit performance of the season.

He thrilled the 49,073 spectators after the home fans were left glued to their seats Thursday night as he became the first player in Major League history to hit 50 home runs and steal 50 bases in a season in Miami.

The Rockies hit home runs by Charlie Blackmon, Hilliard and Michael Toglia.

Alex Vesia (4-4) earned the win with one inning as a relief pitcher. Michael Kopech pitched the ninth inning and earned his 14th save.

Colorado's Kyle Freeland (5-8) suffered the loss after allowing four runs and seven hits in six innings. He struck out two players and did not allow a walk for the fourth time this season.

Ryan Brasier pitched the first inning to open the bullpen game for the Dodgers.

TRAINING ROOM

Rockies: RHP Tyler Kinley went on the 15-day IL because of inflammation of his right elbow.

Dodgers: LHP Clayton Kershaw (toe) threw a 30-pitch bullpen session and hopes to face hitters next week. … RHP Anthony Banda (hand) will throw a bullpen this weekend.

Next

Rockies: RHP Cal Quantrill (8-10, 4.68 ERA) makes his second start since coming off the IL on Saturday. His career record against LA is 1-5.

Dodgers: RHP Walker Buehler (1-5, 5.54) is looking for his second win of the season. He was hit hard by the Rockies on June 18, allowing seven hits, seven runs and two home runs.

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AP MLB: https://www.apnews.com/hub/MLB