Dodgers defensive meltdown wastes Shohei Ohtanis 300th home run in loss to Rockies
It was a night of history for Shohei OhtaniAnd infamy for the Dodgers’ defense.In a 4-3 loss to the Colorado Rockies on Tuesday, the Dodgers had been in control of the game, taking an early lead on Ohtani’s 300th career home run before extending it during a seven-inning, one-run gem from Justin Wrobleski.In the top of the eighth, however, it all came undone.With two costly defensive mistakes, the team helplessly squandered a two-run lead.The meltdown came immediately after Wrobleski finished his outing, with his replacement Will Klein allowing two runners to reach base with one out.With Tyler Freeman at the plate, though, Klein fired a first-pitch fastball that was grounded straight to shortstop Miguel Rojas (getting the start on a day off for Mookie Betts).Rojas had to range to his left, but still had a chance for an inning-ending double-play.Instead, he misread a hop and booted the ball off the heel of his mitt. One run scored.
Two runners remained on the corners.And the headache was just getting started.Left-hander Jack Dreyer was summoned from the Dodgers bullpen next, prompting the Rockies to put on a squeeze play with left-handed hitter Jake McCarthy.
McCarthy got his bunt down, scoring the lead runner from third.Third baseman Max Muncy charged to field the ball, throwing in time to get McCarthy at first base, where second baseman Alex Freeland was covering.It was behind the play where the real action was, as Freeman got aggressive seeing that third was unoccupied and made a hard turn around trying for an extra base.Rojas picked him up, running for step for step as Freeland turned at first and fired a throw across the diamond.
Alas, his strike was low, Rojas couldn’t squeeze it, and the ball trickled all the way down the steps into the Dodgers dugout.Freeman was awarded home plate.The Rockies scored their third unearned run of the inning to take a lead they wouldn’t relinquish –– surviving a two-on, no-out jam in the ninth to deny the Dodgers a...