A thrilling NL West showdown unfolds in Los Angeles as the Colorado Rockies prepare to face the Los Angeles Dodgers in the final game of their three-game series. After the Dodgers secured a 6-4 victory in the series opener, they are looking to strengthen their lead in the division. Meanwhile, the Rockies, who are struggling at the bottom of the standings, aim to disrupt the Dodgers’ plans. This preview comes ahead of Saturday’s match, which will shape the final outcome of the series.
Rockies Seek Redemption in Los Angeles
The Rockies are trudging through a challenging season, currently holding a disheartening record of 59-95. This places them firmly in last place within the NL West, trailing the Dodgers by a staggering 33 games. With playoff aspirations extinguished, the team is focused on ending the season on a high note. In Friday’s game, the Rockies managed only five hits, with Michael Toglia standing out as the sole player with a two-hit performance. Notably, Charlie Blackmon, Sam Hilliard, and Toglia each contributed with home runs, but their efforts were not enough to clinch a victory. Kyle Freeland took the loss, pitching six innings with four earned runs against him.
On Sunday, Antonio Senzatela will take the mound for Colorado. This marks his second start of the season after recovering from Tommy John surgery. With a current ERA of 6.00, he has struggled to find his rhythm on the field. In his last outing against the Diamondbacks, he pitched three innings and allowed two runs. Historically, Senzatela has faced the Dodgers 15 times, recording a 4-5 record with a 5.98 ERA.
Dodgers Eyeing a Strong Finish
The Dodgers are riding a wave of momentum, having won three consecutive games and five of their last six. Entering Saturday’s match with a 92-62 record, they hold a four-game lead over the San Diego Padres in the NL West. Clinching a playoff spot, the Dodgers are currently tied with the Philadelphia Phillies for the best record in the National League. In their last game, they showcased a powerful offense with Shohei Ohtani leading the charge, contributing significantly with two runs and two RBIs. His home run, along with those from Teoscar Hernandez and Andy Pages, propelled the Dodgers to victory.
Yoshinobu Yamamoto is slated to pitch for Los Angeles in the series finale. With a 6-2 record and a solid 2.63 ERA, he has been a reliable option for the Dodgers. In his previous outing, he threw four scoreless innings against the Braves, demonstrating his ability to perform under pressure. Yamamoto’s sole start against the Rockies resulted in a victory, allowing just one run over six innings.
Best Bets for Colorado Rockies vs. Los Angeles Dodgers
As the Rockies continue to struggle, they find themselves with a difficult task ahead. Historically, they have faced challenges against the Dodgers, winning only two of their first ten meetings this season. Given Senzatela’s limited experience this year and the depth of the Dodgers’ bullpen, Colorado will need to rely heavily on their relief pitchers. Meanwhile, the Dodgers boast a robust lineup that consistently proves capable of scoring runs, further tipping the scales in their favor for this matchup.
