Dodgers starting pitcher Julio Urias throws to the plate during the first inning of Friday’s game against the Rockies at Coors Field in Denver. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)
Justin Turner #10 of the Dodgers is hit by a pitch against the Colorado Rockies in the first inning at Coors Field on July 16, 2021 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)
The Dodgers’ Cody Bellinger watches his two-run single off Colorado Rockies starting pitcher Chi Chi Gonzalez during the first inning of a baseball game Friday, July 16, 2021, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
Cody Bellinger #35 of the Los Angeles Dodgers hits a two-run single against the Colorado Rockies in the first inning at Coors Field on July 16, 2021 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)
Rockies pitching coach Steve Foster, front left, confers with starting pitcher Chi Chi Gonzalez as catcher Elias Diaz listens after Gonzalez gave up a two-run single to Los the Dodgers’ Cody Bellinger during the first inning of a baseball game Friday, July 16, 2021, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
Dodgers pitcher Julio Urias winds up during the second inning of of Friday’s game against the Rockies at Coors Field in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
Dodgers starting pitcher Julio Urias throws to the plate during the first inning of Friday’s game against the Rockies at Coors Field in Denver. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)
Charlie Blackmon #19 of the Colorado Rockies hits a single against the Los Angeles Dodgers in the first inning at Coors Field on July 16, 2021 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)
The Dodgers’ Chris Taylor hits a three-run home run against the Colorado Rockies in the first inning at Coors Field on July 16, 2021 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)
The Dodgers’ Chris Taylor hits a three-run home run against the Colorado Rockies in the first inning at Coors Field on July 16, 2021 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)
The Dodgers’ Chris Taylor follows through on a three-run home run off Colorado Rockies starting pitcher Chi Chi Gonzalez during the first inning of a baseball game Friday, July 16, 2021, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
The Dodgers’ Chris Taylor watches the flight of his three-run home run against the Colorado Rockies in the first inning at Coors Field on July 16, 2021 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)
The Dodgers’ Chris Taylor circles the bases after hitting a three-run home run against the Colorado Rockies in the first inning at Coors Field on July 16, 2021 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)
The Dodgers’ Chris Taylor circles the bases after hitting a three-run home run against the Colorado Rockies in the first inning at Coors Field on July 16, 2021 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)
The Dodgers’ Chris Taylor is congratulated by third base coach Tom Hallion as he circles the bases after hitting a three-run home run against the Colorado Rockies in the first inning at Coors Field on July 16, 2021 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)
The Dodgers’ Chris Taylor crosses home plate after hitting a three-run home run during the first inning on Friday in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
Chris Taylor #3 of the Dodgers is congratulated Cody Bellinger #35 and Will Smith #16 as he circles the bases after hitting a 3 RBI home run against the Colorado Rockies in the first inning at Coors Field on July 16, 2021 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)
Chris Taylor #3 of the Dodgers is congratulated Cody Bellinger #35 and Will Smith #16 as he circles the bases after hitting a 3 RBI home run against the Colorado Rockies in the first inning at Coors Field on July 16, 2021 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)
Rockies bench coach Mike Redmond, who is filling in as manager after Bud Black was sidelined by COVID-19 protocols, heads back to the dugout during the first inning of the team’s game against the Dodgers Friday, July 16, 2021, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
Dodgers starting pitcher Julio Urias throws to the plate during Friday’s game against the Rockies at Coors Field in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
Dodgers catcher Will Smith throws to first base for the out on Colorado Rockies’ Chi Chi Gonzalez after a dropped third strike in the second inning of a baseball game Friday, July 16, 2021, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
Dodgers third baseman Justin Turner throws to first base after fielding a ball hit by Colorado Rockies’ Garrett Hampson, who was safe with a single during the third inning of a baseball game Friday, July 16, 2021, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
Dodgers starting pitcher Julio Urias throws to the plate during the first inning of Friday’s game against the Rockies at Coors Field in Denver. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)
The Rockies’ C.J. Cron watches his grand slam off Dodgers starting pitcher Julio Urias during the third inning of a baseball game Friday, July 16, 2021, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
The Rockies’ C.J. Cron tosses his bat after hitting a grand slam off Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Julio Urias during the third inning of a baseball game Friday, July 16, 2021, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
Dodgers starting pitcher Julio Urias waits after a grand slam by Colorado Rockies’ C.J. Cron during the third inning of a baseball game Friday, July 16, 2021, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
The Rockies’ C.J. Cron is congratulated by teammates as he returns to the dugout after hitting a grand slam off Dodgers starting pitcher Julio Urias during the third inning of a baseball game Friday, July 16, 2021, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
The Dodgers’ Will Smith watches his two-run double off Colorado Rockies starting pitcher Chi Chi Gonzalez during the fourth inning of a baseball game Friday, July 16, 2021, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
Rockies pitcher Justin Lawrence works against the Dodgers in the fifth inning at Coors Field on July 16, 2021 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)
Mookie Betts #50 of the Dodgers hits a RBI sacrifice fly against the Colorado Rockies in the fifth ining at Coors Field on July 16, 2021 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)
The Dodgers’ Mookie Betts connects for a sacrifice fly to drive in a run off Colorado Rockies relief pitcher Justin Lawrence in the fifth inning of a baseball game Friday, July 16, 2021, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
Rockies pitcher Justin Lawrence throws against the Dodgers in the fifth inning at Coors Field on July 16, 2021 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)
The Dodgers’ Will Smith connects for a single to drive in two runs during the fifth inning of Friday’s game against the Rockies in Denver. Smith went 2 for 4 with four RBIs in the 10-4 win. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
Dodgers first base coach Clayton McCullough, front, congratulates Will Smith after Smith hit a single to drive in two runs off Colorado Rockies relief pitcher Justin Lawrence in the fifth inning of a baseball game Friday, July 16, 2021, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
Fans hold up a banner and cheer after Los Angeles Dodgers’ Chris Taylor hit a three-run home run off Colorado Rockies starting pitcher Chi Chi Gonzalez during the first inning of a baseball game Friday, July 16, 2021, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
The Dodgers’ Gavin Lux, right, reacts after fouling a pitch off his foot while facing Colorado Rockies relief pitcher Justin Lawrence in the fifth inning of a baseball game Friday, July 16, 2021, in Denver. Lux remained in the game. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
The Rockies’ Ryan McMahon, right, reacts after striking out against Dodgers starting pitcher Julio Urias as catcher Will Smith, let, puts the ball back into play in the fifth inning of a baseball game Friday, July 16, 2021, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
Dodgers starting pitcher Julio Urias throws to the plate during the first inning of Friday’s game against the Rockies at Coors Field in Denver. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)
Fans cheer for Dodgers starting pitcher Julio Urias as he heads to the dugout after being pulled in the sixth inning of the team’s baseball game against the Colorado Rockies on Friday, July 16, 2021, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
Dodgers relief pitcher Phil Bickford throws against the Colorado Rockies in the sixth ining at Coors Field on July 16, 2021 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)
Dodgers relief pitcher Phil Bickford works against the Colorado Rockies during the sixth inning of a baseball game Friday, July 16, 2021, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
The Dodgers’ Phil Bickford follows through on a single against the Colorado Rockies during the seventh inning of a baseball game Friday, July 16, 2021, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
The Dodgers’ Justin Turner flies out against the Colorado Rockies in the seventh inning of a baseball game Friday, July 16, 2021, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
Dodgers relief pitcher Garrett Cleavinger throws against the Colorado Rockies in the seventh ining at Coors Field on July 16, 2021 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)
Pitcher Garrett Cleavinger #61 of the Dodgers throws against the Colorado Rockies in the seventh ining at Coors Field on July 16, 2021 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)
Pitcher Garrett Cleavinger #61 of the Dodgers throws against the Colorado Rockies in the seventh ining at Coors Field on July 16, 2021 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)
Gavin Lux #9 of the Los Angeles Dodgers turns the first half of a double play attempt against Trevor Story #27 of the Colorado Rockies in the seventh ining at Coors Field on July 16, 2021 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)
Dodgers shortstop Gavin Lux throws to first after forcing out Colorado Rockies’ Trevor Story at second base on a ground ball hit by Charlie Blackmon in the seventh inning of a baseball game Friday, July 16, 2021, in Denver. Blackmon was safe at first. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
Gavin Lux #9 of the Los Angeles Dodgers turns the first half of a double play attempt against Trevor Story #27 of the Colorado Rockies in the seventh ining at Coors Field on July 16, 2021 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)
Gavin Lux #9 of the Los Angeles Dodgers turns the first half of a double play attempt against C.J. Cron #25 of the Colorado Rockies in the seventh ining at Coors Field on July 16, 2021 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)
Rockies pitcher Lucas Gilbreath throws against the Dodgers in the ninth inning at Coors Field on July 16, 2021 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)
Dodgers pinch-hitter Albert Pujols follows through on a single off Colorado Rockies relief pitcher Lucas Gilbreath during the ninth inning of a baseball game Friday, July 16, 2021, in Denver. The Dodgers won 10-4. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
Dodgers relief pitcher Jimmie Sherfy throws against the Colorado Rockies in the ninth ining at Coors Field on July 16, 2021 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)
Chris Taylor #3 of the Los Angeles Dodgers turns the first half of a double play against Brendan Rodgers #7 of the Colorado Rockies in the ninth ining at Coors Field on July 16, 2021 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)
Dodgers relief pitcher Jimmie Sherfy throws against the Colorado Rockies in the ninth ining at Coors Field on July 16, 2021 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)
Dodgers catcher Will Smith, left, congratulates relief pitcher Jimmy Sherfy after the Dodgers defeated the Rockies, 10-4, Friday night in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
Dodgers catcher Will Smith, left, congratulates relief pitcher Jimmy Sherfy after the Dodgers defeated the Rockies, 10-4, Friday night in Denver. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)
Dodgers catcher Will Smith, left, congratulates relief pitcher Jimmy Sherfy after the Dodgers defeated the Rockies, 10-4, Friday night in Denver. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)
Dodgers catcher Will Smith, left, congratulates relief pitcher Jimmy Sherfy after the Dodgers defeated the Rockies, 10-4, Friday night in Denver. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)
AJ Pollock #11 and Cody Bellinger #35 of the Los Angeles Dodgers celebrate with their teammates their win against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field on July 16, 2021 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)
Dodgers first baseman Albert Pujols, front, and right fielder Mookie Betts take part in a drill during batting practice before facing the Colorado Rockies in a baseball game Friday, July 16, 2021, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
Dodgers third baseman Justin Turner jokes with teammates during batting practice before a baseball game against the Colorado Rockies on Friday, July 16, 2021, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
Dodgers center fielder Cody Bellinger jokes with third baseman Justin Turner during batting practice before facing the Colorado Rockies in a baseball game Friday, July 16, 2021, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
Dodgers first baseman Albert Pujols waits for his turn during batting practice before the team’s baseball game against the Colorado Rockies on Friday, July 16, 2021, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
DENVER — Everyone should be so productive when they go back to work after a vacation.
The Dodgers returned to work after the four-day All-Star break and promptly scored five runs in the first 13 minutes at Coors Field, going on to beat the Colorado Rockies, 10-4, Friday night.
“Right now, it’s win the division,” Dodgers catcher Will Smith said of the second-half focus. “It’s going to be a close, tight race I feel like for the rest of the year. There’s a couple other good teams in our division that we’re going to have to compete with. It’s just going to take each and every game showing up, doing what we do and winning a bunch of ballgames.”
While other corners of the NL West have risen up against them – the first-place San Francisco Giants (58-32) and third-place San Diego Padres (54-40) also won Friday – the Dodgers (57-35) still lord it over the Rockies (40-52).
They have beaten them seven times in eight meetings this year (the lone loss coming on Opening Day) by a combined score of 54-32, 14 times in 18 meetings over the past two seasons and are 42-15 against the Rockies since 2018. That is the best record for any National League team against a division opponent during that time.
“I might have been a little guilty of that,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said of following the Giants and Padres on the scoreboard that makes up the right-field wall at Coors Field. “It was the old school Chargers got a big win over – what are they called now, the Washington Football Team? They got a two-point conversion late. No, I was watching. It’s right in my face. But still focused on our guys.”
The Rockies had their own problems Friday. Four players, including scheduled starting pitcher Antonio Senzatela, Manager Bud Black and first base coach Ron Gideon were all unavailable due to positive COVID tests or contact tracing protocols.
Chi Chi Gonzalez was thrust into the starting assignment and his ERA will show the marks for some time.
“It was a little, I guess craziness, not knowing who was going to pitch, not knowing if we were going to play, what was going to happen,” Smith said. “But we had faced him several times before. That familiarity was nice going into the game.”
Mookie Betts greeted Gonzalez with a double. After Max Muncy popped up, Gonzalez hit Justin Turner with a pitch, walked Smith and gave up a two-run single to Cody Bellinger. Chris Taylor followed with a three-run home run.
Betts looked as refreshed as anyone Friday. The double was the first of three hits for him, giving him back-to-back three-hit games – separated by a four-day break for Betts who cited “nagging things” as his reason to skip participating in the All-Star Game. He has multi-hit games in his past three, the first time this season he has had three multi-hit games in a row.
“He did (looked refreshed),” Roberts said of Betts. “I know he missed the All-Star Game, the festivities, seeing the fans. But to get home, get re-set, clear his mind and get his body right – he was in a good place.”
But they didn’t stop there. Smith made sure of that.
He drove in two runs in the fourth with a double then two more in the fifth with a bases-loaded single. Betts also drove in a run with a sacrifice fly in the fifth.
All of that offense must have given pitcher Julio Urias (who contributed with a single and scored a run) a familiar feeling. In his 19 starts this season, the Dodgers have averaged more than 6½ runs, scoring nine or more in eight of those games.
“I know the type of offense that we have,” Urias said through an interpreter, smiling when asked if he had a “secret” way of inspiring that offense. “I try not to get too caught up in that. I just try to go out there and do my thing and make the pitches that I need to make. Obviously, when the offense gives you the type of cushion they’ve given me, it’s a little bit easier to pitch.”
Urias (12-3) pitched into the sixth inning, allowing only a grand slam to C.J. Cron that sailed 465 feet into the left field seats.
The Dodgers’ 5-run 1st inning against the Rockies in Denver tonight was LA’s 23rd 5+ run inning of 2021.
That’s the most in MLB this season (no other team entered Friday with more than 13) & the most by a team before the start of August since the 2011 Red Sox (also 23). pic.twitter.com/fnMpLHwGrB
— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) July 17, 2021
“All the way down the lineup we had good at-bats.” Dave Roberts discusses the #Dodgers offense putting up five runs in the 1st and Julio Urías’ outing with @kirsten_watson. pic.twitter.com/P887dZnAQ4
This content was originally published here.
