The Dodgers stage an epic comeback against the Rockies in a wild 11-9 victory
On June 19, 2024, history was made at Coors Field as the Los Angeles Dodgers rallied from a five-run deficit in the ninth inning to defeat the Colorado Rockies 11-9. The game will go down as one of the most electrifying and intense matchups of the season, as the Dodgers put on a show of determination and resilience to secure the win.
It all started with a pinch-hit grand slam from Jason Heyward, followed by a three-run homer from Teoscar Hernandez, both in the ninth inning. These two clutch home runs, along with quality at-bats from the entire lineup, allowed the Dodgers to score seven runs in the final inning and secure the victory.
“Jason was ready when called upon. Teo, he keeps coming up with big hits. That inning, certainly, the results showed the fight, the compete,” remarked Dodgers manager Dave Roberts after the game.
According to Elias Sports Bureau research, the Dodgers had not won a game when trailing by five or more runs in the ninth inning or later since 1957, their last year in Brooklyn. This was also the second-longest active losing streak in that scenario in Major League Baseball. However, with this comeback win, the Dodgers have now improved their record to 6-2 when facing such a deficit.
It was truly a team effort, with contributions from all parts of the lineup. Shohei Ohtani, who had a 476-foot homer in the fifth inning, started the rally with a single in the ninth. This was followed by walks from Andy Pages and Miguel Vargas, and a single from Miguel Rojas, setting the stage for Heyward’s grand slam.
“I wasn’t sure if it was going to stay fair or not,” Heyward said, “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.”
But the drama did not end there. After a wild pitch, Freddie Freeman was intentionally walked, bringing up Hernandez to the plate. A controversial call by first base umpire Lance Barksdale after Hernandez’s half-swing at an inside fastball resulted in a heated argument between Colorado manager Bud Black and Barksdale. The dispute ultimately led to Black’s ejection from the game.
On the very next pitch, Hernandez blasted his 18th home run of the season, giving the Dodgers the lead and securing their victory. This was also the first time in the Dodgers’ 140-year history that they hit a grand slam and a three-run homer in the ninth inning.
“Jason hit the grand slam and turning the lineup over to Ohtani, you know something was going to happen,” Hernandez said. “I just wanted to get a good pitch to hit and tie the game. I put a little extra on it, and it went over the fence. I knew as soon as I hit it. It was great, especially because it put the team ahead.”
The game ended in chaos, as Rockies’ right fielder Jake Cave and second baseman Alan Trejo were seen arguing with Barksdale and restraining each other after Hernandez’s homer. But for the Dodgers, it was a well-deserved win and a testament to their never-give-up attitude.
On the pitching side, Dodgers starter Walker Buehler had a rough outing, giving up seven runs in four innings. However, the rookie trio of Victor Vodnik, Michael Petersen (making his Major League debut), and Evan Phillips held the Rockies scoreless in the final five innings of the game.
Petersen, who recorded the final out of the game, described his debut as “crazy” and “awesome.”
“It was crazy. You can’t feel anything. It’s like your first date, you are tripping over stuff. But awesome,” he said.
the Dodgers’ epic comeback victory against the Rockies is a testament to their resilience and never-say-die attitude. It was a historic game that will be remembered for years to come, and Kosport Magazine is proud to have witnessed and reported on this thrilling matchup.
