LOS ANGELES (AP) — Justin Turner and Max Muncy each hit a three-run homer, and the Los Angeles Dodgers beat the Colorado Rockies 7-5 on Thursday night as David Price earned his first regular-season save.
Muncy’s two-out drive in the seventh inning off reliever Yency Almonte (0-1) gave the defending World Series champions a 6-5 lead on the way to their sixth straight victory.
Price pitched out of trouble in the ninth, striking out two, as the Dodgers gave regular closer Kenley Jansen a breather. Primarily a starter throughout his 13-year career, the left-hander has moved into a relief role this season because of Los Angeles’ stacked and star-studded rotation. His only other save came as a rookie with Tampa Bay in Game 7 of the 2008 AL Championship Series against Boston.
“That was huge for myself, my confidence, my coaches’ confidence in me,” Price said. “I felt every time I went out there my stuff has gotten better. Tonight was the best I’ve commanded the baseball until this point in four appearances. My arm felt great. … I commanded the baseball the way I’m used to doing it and got good results.”
Jimmy Nelson (1-1) worked a hitless inning in relief of starter Julio Urías and the Dodgers (11-2), with the most wins in the majors, won at home on Jackie Robinson Day.
Los Angeles manager Dave Roberts told Price before the game that he would get the ball in the ninth if the Dodgers had the lead. Price said he couldn’t say exactly what his reaction was, but he was excited.
“That was the first time I’ve been able to pitch on this day,” Price said of Jackie Robinson Day. “It’s extremely special to me, especially wearing Dodgers blue. I wanted to finish the game and get that save. The first two hitters I didn’t end up the way I wanted to,…
Leave a Reply