Dramatic Swings Define Dodgers’ Historic Comeback Over Rockies
In an unforgettable game marked by dramatic swings and historic moments, the Los Angeles Dodgers delivered an electrifying 11-9 victory over the Colorado Rockies on Tuesday night. The Dodgers, who had lost 1,137 consecutive games when trailing by five or more runs in the ninth inning or later (a streak dating back to 1957), overcame the deficit in spectacular fashion.
This win breaks the second-longest active losing streak in such scenarios; only the Seattle Mariners had a longer streak with 1,234 losses without a win under these conditions. The Dodgers improved their all-time record to 6-2,619 when trailing by five or more runs in the ninth inning or later.
The Dodgers’ seven-run ninth inning was their most explosive since 2004 against the San Francisco Giants. Jason Heyward delivered a pinch-hit grand slam, followed by Teoscar Hernandez’s three-run homer, to seal the victory and etch their names into the record books.
Heyward and Hernandez Shine
Heyward’s fourth career grand slam, which came off Tyler Kinley, was the turning point. The slam followed 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, capping a dramatic comeback.
"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," Heyward said. "I was like, 'Come on, squeak in, squeak in.' I honestly feel like we got rewarded for our process in the ninth."
Hernandez’s heroics were equally crucial. 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, a decision that infuriated Colorado manager Bud Black, who was subsequently ejected.
Hernandez then hit his 18th homerun of the season, making it 11-9. "It was close. You can call it either way, and it will be fine," Hernandez remarked. "When Jason hit the grand slam, and turning the lineup over to Ohtani, you know something was going to happen. I just wanted to get a good pitch to hit to tie the game."
This marked the first time in their 140-year history that the Dodgers hit 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 began yelling at Barksdale, leading to further conflict.
Pitching and Fielding Performances
Relief pitcher Evan Phillips faced only one batter but recorded his 11th save in as many chances by getting Hunter Goodman out with a runner on second. "That game's won on that swing. That's a swing-and-miss, the game's won, and we beat the Los Angeles Dodgers," said Cave.
For the Rockies, Elehuris Montero and Brenton Doyle hit homers, adding excitement but ultimately falling short. Doyle's diving catch of Ohtani's line drive in the seventh inning with runners on first and second preserved an 8-4 lead at the time, showcasing a sterling defensive effort.
Dodgers starter Walker Buehler struggled, allowing eight hits and seven runs over four innings. It was the first time the 29-year-old right-hander had 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.
Managerial and Player Reactions
Los Angeles manager Dave Roberts praised his team’s efforts, saying, "It was quality at-bats up and down the lineup. Jason was ready when called upon. Teo, he keeps coming up with big hits. That inning, certainly, the results showed the fight, the compete."
Michael Petersen, making his major league debut, contributed by working two innings and striking out two batters. "It was crazy. You can't feel anything. It's like your first date; you are tripping over stuff. But awesome," Petersen said.
Andy Pages also homered for the Dodgers, who have won four of their last five games and are 73-32 against Colorado since 2018. The Rockies have lost five of their last six games.
Looking Ahead
The Dodgers' remarkable comeback serves as a testament to their resilience and ability to perform under pressure. As they continue their season, this game will undoubtedly be remembered as one of the most thrilling comebacks in franchise history. The win not only provided a morale boost but also highlighted the depth and talent that define this team.