When the Dodgers and Rockies get together weather seems to get the better of both teams.
Five days after their game in Colorado was postponed due to rain and snow, Thursday's game was delayed an hour and twenty-five minutes before play continued and the Dodgers wish it wasn't.
Carlos Gonzalez hit a game-winning three-run homer with two outs in the top of ninth and the Rockies rallied off Dodgers interim closer Yimi Garcia to stun the Boys in Blue 5-4.
"It took longer than expected, with all the rain, but we kept grinding," said Gonzalez who helped end the Rockies 11-game losing streak. "That shows a lot of respect. Everybody pushed all the way until the end."
The Rockies themselves were shocked by the rare rain delay at Dodger Stadium. In the past week, the Rockies had been rained out three times, including last Saturday's game against the Dodgers which has been rescheduled for June 2nd at Coors Field.
"That rain cloud has been following s everywhere we go," joked Gonzalez pointing to the sky. "We've had to battle against other teams and weather conditions and rain delays, so it's hard to keep your body in the game. I'm sure it affects the other team too. You just try to keep your body and your mind in the game."
After scattered showers surprised residents of Los Angeles throughout the day, the game started on time before rain fell in the third inning.
Adrian Gonzalez hit a two-run double in the bottom of the 1st inning to give the Dodgers an early 2-0 lead.
"We're used to it," said Gonzalez of the rain-delay. "It's actually an opportunity for team bonding. We were all in here playing cards."
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Willin Rosario hit a first-pitch fastball off Anderson to right-center in the top half of the second inning to put the Rockies on the board. Rosario went 2-for-4 with two RBIs on the night.
Dodgers' starter Brett Anderson helped himself out with an RBI-double in the bottom of the third.
"I closed my eyes and blacked out," joked Anderson of his extra base hit. "I knew I hit it pretty good and was just trying not to get thrown out at second. My biggest fear in life is base running."
Anderson allowed two runs on five hits with eight strikeouts before the rain shortened his start after 5.1 innings.
"I felt pretty good tonight. Unfortunately, I've had to pitch in bad weather my last two times out. Fortunately, the outings have been fairly decent. I'd rather pitch in dry conditions, but I'll take what I can get."
With runners on 1st and 2nd and one out, the umpire called for the tarp as the rain began to fell harder. The game would be delayed for an hour and a half, and was almost nearly called, but the rain let up and they teams returned to the field.
There hasn't been a halted game or postponed game at Dodger Stadium in 15 years, and the last rain delay occurred on May 23rd, 2008 against the St. Louis Cardinals.
The Dodgers were seeking their ninth win in a row over the Rockies, which would have tied them for the longest active streak against any opponent.
Rockies manager, Walt Weiss, was not with the team as he underwent an appendectomy on Wednesday.
Garcia, who has been filling in as closer with Kenley Jansen on the disabled list, blew his second consecutive save, and third in his last four appearances, allowing singles to D.J. LeMahieu and Drew Stubbs before CarGo's blast ruined the rain-soaked party.
"I was watching Garcia warming up and he was throwing a lot of fastballs, so I was ready to swing at a good fastball," said Gonzalez. "I just wanted to be patiend and tried to see a good pitch to drive. Luckily, I was able to take advantage."
Chad Bettis was called up from triple-A Albuquerque before the game and made his first start since Sept. 8th 2013. Bettis was formidable allowing four runs on seven hits in five innings before the delay.
Jon Axford worked the ninth for the Rockies picking up his fourth save of the season.
Game Notes:
Right-handed reliever Pedro Baez was placed on the 15-day DL before the game.
It was the first time all season the Dodgers lost consecutive games at home.