Narrative Statements:
A Grandcome-back Victory for the Dodgers
In a game filled with dramatic swings, the Los Angeles Dodgers pulled off an electrifying 11-9 victory over the Colorado Rockies on Tuesday night, thanks to a spectacular late-game rally.
In a stunning display of perseverance, Jason Heyward hit a pinch-hit grand slam while Teoscar Hernandez added a three-run homer—all in a seven-run ninth inning. This rally overturned what appeared to be a certain defeat into one of the most memorable comebacks in the franchise's storied history.
Breaking a Long-standing Curse
The Dodgers had lost 1,137 consecutive games when trailing by five or more runs in the ninth inning or later, a streak that dated back to 1957. This was the second-longest active losing streak in such scenarios; only the Mariners had a longer streak at 1,234 losses without a win under these conditions. With this victory, the Dodgers improved their all-time record to 6-2,619 when trailing by five or more runs in the ninth inning or later.
Their seven runs in the ninth were also the most they had scored in this frame since 2004 against the San Francisco Giants. Heyward's fourth career grand slam came off Tyler Kinley, following walks by Andy Pages and Miguel Vargas and a single by Miguel Rojas. Heyward's fourth homer of the season hit the right-field foul pole, injecting new life into the faltering Dodgers.
Other Highlights and Key Moments
The Dodgers trailed 7-2 in the fourth inning, with Shohei Ohtani contributing to the Rockies' lead with a towering 476-foot homer in the fifth inning. Ohtani later singled off pitcher Victor Vodnik (1-1) before Will Smith struck out looking. Freddie Freeman received an intentional walk thereafter, his sixth in the last two games.
Hernandez's heroics set the stage for a thrilling conclusion. He took a half-swing at a 1-2 fastball, and first base umpire Lance Barksdale ruled that Hernandez did not commit to the swing. This decision did not sit well with Colorado manager Bud Black, who was ejected for arguing the call. Following the controversial ruling, Hernandez launched his 18th home run to make it 11-9, completing the Dodgers' improbable comeback.
This was the first time in their 140-year history that the Dodgers managed both a grand slam and a three-run homer in the ninth inning. After Hernandez's ball cleared the wall, Colorado right fielder Jake Cave stepped toward Barksdale and began yelling. Rockies second baseman Alan Trejo intervened, stepping between Cave and Barksdale after the inning ended.
The Final Strikes
Relief pitcher Evan Phillips faced just one batter, Hunter Goodman, getting him out with a runner on second and recording his 11th save in as many chances. Cave, still fuming, had to be restrained by bench coach Mike Redmond as he attempted to reach Barksdale after the game ended.
Elehuris Montero and Brenton Doyle homered for the Rockies, who scored four runs in the first inning and twice held five-run leads. Doyle added three singles for his first career four-hit game, scored twice, and made a remarkable diving catch of Ohtani's line drive to right-center field with runners on first and second with two outs in the seventh inning, preserving an 8-4 lead at the time.
Pitcher Performances
Dodgers starter Walker Buehler gave up eight hits and seven runs in his four innings of work. It was the first time the 29-year-old right-hander allowed more than three earned runs since returning to the rotation on May 6 after missing the 2023 season due to Tommy John surgery. Buehler struck out two and walked one.
On the offensive side, Andy Pages also homered for the Dodgers, who have now won four of their last five games and hold a 73-32 record against Colorado since 2018. The Rockies, on the other hand, have lost five of their last six games. Reliever Michael Petersen (1-0) worked two innings and struck out two in his major league debut, rounding out an outstanding night for the Dodgers.
Post-Game Reactions
"It was quality at-bats up and down the lineup," Los Angeles manager Dave Roberts said. "Jason was ready when called upon. Teo, he keeps coming up with big hits. That inning certainly showed the fight and the compete of this team."
Heyward, reflecting on his crucial hit, said, "I wasn't sure if it was going to stay fair or not. It's Colorado, so maybe that helped it straighten out a little bit. I was like, 'Come on, squeak in, squeak in.' I honestly feel like we got rewarded for our process in the ninth."
Hernandez added, "It was close. You can call it either way. When Jason hit the grand slam and the lineup turned over to Ohtani, I knew something was going to happen. I just wanted a good pitch to tie the game. I put a little extra on it, and it went over the fence. I felt great, especially because it put the team ahead."
Reflecting on his debut, Petersen said, "It was crazy. You can't feel anything. It's like your first date; you are tripping over stuff. But awesome."