After taking two of three from the Atlanta Braves to win a third consecutive series, the Los Angeles Dodgers opened a three-game set against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field on Friday night.
Jon Gray’s 2016 debut got off to a rocky start as Chase Utley opened the game with a triple to center field. Two pitches later, the Dodgers were out to an early 2-0 lead behind a Corey Seager home run to center field.
After striking out Justin Turner, Gray gave up a towering solo home run to Adrian Gonzalez that reached the second deck in right field. Yasiel Puig struck out swinging and Yasmani Grandal grounded into a shift to end the inning.
Scott Kazmir battled Trevor Story to the tune of 13 pitches before getting the rookie shortstop to strikeout. Carlos Gonzalez grounded out on the first pitch he saw, and Kazmir put a relatively easy 1-2-3 first inning in the books.
Gray retired Howie Kendrick, Joc Pederson and Kazmir in order in the top of the second, collecting his third strikeout of the game. Nolan Arenado and Mark Reynolds combined or back-to-back singles that left runners on the corners with no outs in the bottom of the second.
After Ryan Rabrun drew a one-out walk to load the bases, Tony Wolters grounded to Gonzalez, who recorded a force out at second base. Kazmir was unable to cover first base in time for a double play attempt, and a run scored on the play.
Seager drew a one-out walk in the third, but misjudged how far a ball got away from Wolters and was picked off first base. Turner then struck out on Gray’s next pitch to end the inning. Kazmir rebounded from a tough second inning to retire the side in order in the third on only seven pitches.
CONTINUE READING: Yasiel Puig makes play of the season
