Conforto homers, Ohtani goes deep: Dodgers edge Rockies

DENVER — The Los Angeles Dodgers scored six runs in the fourth inning to hold off the Rockies, winning 9-7 in the first game of a three-game series on Tuesday night at Coors Field.

The Dodgers' offense surged in the fourth inning, beginning with Freddie Freeman reaching base safely due to an error by Michael Toglia. This was followed by back-to-back singles from Will Smith and Max Muncy. Teoscar Hernandez and Andy Pages each grounded into a fielder's choice. With runners on the corners and one out, Conforto added to the offense with his second hit of the night

Conforto hit an 87 mph knuckle curve from right-hander German Marquez for his second home run and ninth hit of the month. Although it hasn't been the best stretch for Conforto, the confidence and belief from Dave Roberts and Andrew Friedman allow him to play with a free mind. Roberts mentioned over the weekend that he believes once Conforto catches up to the fastball, he will become a different type of player.

The Dodgers' offense has been struggling to find consistency, but for some players, it hasn't affected their performance. Shohei Ohtani has hit home runs in back-to-back games, including his 27th of the season, which traveled 377 feet to the opposite field. In his career against the Rockies, Ohtani now has 12 home runs in 29 games.

Marquez, 30, kept the Dodgers on their toes for the first three innings until their offense erupted in the fourth. He pitched four innings, allowing six hits and four earned runs on 68 pitches. Marquez (3-9, 6.26 ERA) did not issue any walks and struck out six batters during the game. Despite the Rockies' pitching efforts, their offense scored early but couldn't keep pace with the dynamic Dodgers lineup.

Left-hander Jack Dreyer started the game, pitching one inning and giving up two hits and one run. Left-hander Justin Wrobleski took over for the majority of the innings, throwing five innings and allowing five hits and two runs. During his 86 pitches, Wrobleski (3-2, 4.91 ERA) recorded seven strikeouts. 

The Rockies started strong with their offense, driven by Toglia, who hit an RBI double in the first inning off Wrobleski. He followed that up with another RBI double in the third inning, bringing in the first two runs of the game. The Rockies continued to pressure the Dodgers, scoring five more runs. In the eighth inning, they loaded the bases, causing panic for the opposing team.

The Rockies' offense put together three doubles and a walk during the inning against left-hander Anthony Banda. He managed to secure the first two outs, but then faced difficulties. After allowing a double to Tyler Freeman, Roberts brought in left-hander Tanner Scott. On his very first pitch, Jordan Beck hit a two-run double down the left field line. Scott left the mound with a one-run lead and pitched 1 ⅓ innings to earn his 16th save of the season.

This was their 30th comeback win of the season and their 11th win of the month.

The Dodgers will start right-hander Yoshinobu Yamamoto (6-6, 2.76 ERA), while the Rockies will counter with right-hander Chase Dollander (2-7, 6.19).