Colorado Rockies

Matt Kemp Knocks in Four Runs as Dodgers Avoid Sweep Against Rockies

Matt Kemp knocked in four of the five Dodgers' runs, and Los Angeles salvaged the three-game series with the Colorado Rockies by avoiding the sweep, 6-4, on Sunday afternoon at Dodger Stadium.

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Kemp knocked in four of the six runs for the Dodgers, and Los Angeles salvaged the three-game series with the Colorado Rockies by avoiding the sweep, 6-4, on Sunday afternoon at Dodger Stadium.

After losing the first two games of the series by identical 3-1 scores, the Dodgers finally were able to manufacture runs without being dependent on the home run, an encouraging sign for the team that leads the NL in longballs this season.

"You lose the first two here, so for us to salvage and get one back in the win column was good," said Dodgers' manager Dave Roberts following the victory. "The bats just haven't been there. Today they start to come alive."

The Dodgers struck first as Chad Bettis got off to a bumpy start, hitting leadoff hitter Chris Taylor with a four-seam fastball, and walking Max Muncy to start the game.

Two batters later, Matt Kemp knocked in his first of four runs on the day with a fielder's choice groundout to first base.

"I just couldn't wait for July," joked Kemp about his recent slump. "It's been a little rough, but that's baseball. When you have a good day at the plate and get a win, that's a good day."

The Rockies tied the game in the top half of the second on an identical play, as first baseman Ian Desmond grounded out to first, scoring Carlos Gonzalez from third.

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Colorado collected two more runs in the top of the third as they cashed in a pair of doubles from Gerardo Parra and Trevor Story.

"I wasn't sharp early," admitted starter Ross Stripling after the game. "My slider is not like Kenta's slider, it's more like a cutter. When I try and give it depth to guys like Arenado and Story, it's just not a throw I do a lot."

Kemp knocked in his second run of the game on an RBI double in the bottom of the third inning.

"Sometimes you need a day like this just to get you back," said Roberts of Kemp. "Whether it's the change of the calendar or three balls that were barreled...we needed that from him."

Nolan Arenado crushed a 79MPH curveball from Ross Stripling in the top of the fifth for his National League-leading 21st home run of the year.

"Those guys to their credit were aggressive early. Arenado hit a curveball down below the zone and that's what a great hitter does," said Roberts. "Strip competed and gave us a chance to win. I thought he pitched well."

Once again the Dodgers came from behind to tie the game, and no surprise, it came courtesy of the bat of Kemp.

Kemp brought home his third run of the game on an RBI single and Los Angeles tied the game one batter later, on an RBI fielder's choice by Cody Bellinger.

"That was awesome," Stripling said of Kemp. "He came up huge for us when we lost three games in a row. It was awesome to see."

Rockies' starter Chad Bettis left the game after the third inning with a "hot spot" on his right middle finger, a sign of a potential blister.

Dodgers starter' Ross Stripling did not factor in the decision, allowing four runs on nine hits with one walk and seven strikeouts in six innings.

"They've [Rockies] now seen me throw 80 innings this year and have an idea of what's coming," said Stripling of his outing. "I just have to stay sharp. Those are good lineups, but I need to be sharp every outing and try and limit the traffic."

In 12 games at home this season, Stripling is 4-0 with a 2.31 ERA.

Kemp put a bow on his dominant performance as he hit the game-winning home run off Rockies' reliever Adam Ottavino in the bottom of the eighth.

"I was just looking for something hard to hit," Kemp said of his game-winning homer. "He has really good stuff and has had a good season. He threw me a fastball middlie-in, and I put a good swing on it and hit the ball hard."

In his career, Kemp has owned the Colorado Rockies, sporting a slugging percentage of .705, third best in baseball against any opponent with a minimum 150 plate appearances of the last five seasons.

In his last 14 games against the Rockies, Kemp is batting .438 with eight runs, four doubles, four homers and 11 RBI.

The Dodgers added an extra insurance run thanks to some aggressive baserunning by Yasiel Puig. 

Puig doubled off Ottavino and scored one batter later on an infield single by Joc Pederson. Colorado second baseman D.J. LaMahieu made a sliding stop on the play, but stumbled while trying to get to his feet, giving Puig enough of a green light to head home from third. 

"I was looking for the ball, and at first, I didn't know where it was it," said Puig of the play. "He threw the ball to the first baseman and I do my crazy move and score. It was crazy for everybody and for me to because there's not too many players who will score from third base in that situation. It was a little crazy."

Kenley Jansen entered the game in the ninth and recorded his 22nd save of the season.

Max Muncy reached base safely in all four plate appearances today, going 2-for-2 with two walks and scored two of the six Dodger runs.

Muncy has been an on-base monster as he has reached base safely in 30 of his last 32 games since May 23.

Los Angeles improved to 6-3 against Colorado this season and are 29-15 against the Rockies at the Ravine over the last five years.

Up Next:

The Dodgers will host the Pittsburgh Pirates for a three-game series starting on Monday. LHP Alex Wood will start for Los Angeles at 7:10PM PST.

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