Los Angeles Dodgers Sweep Colorado Rockies in Thrilling Series

The Los Angeles Dodgers capped off a thrilling three-game series against the Colorado Rockies with an 8-7 win on Wednesday night, completing a sweep at Dodger Stadium. The game had it all: a historic first-inning explosion, a rollercoaster pitching debut, and a nail-biting finish that showcased the Dodgers’ resilience. At the heart of it all? Shohei Ohtani’s jaw-dropping power and a bullpen that refused to buckle under pressure.  

Ohtani Ignites the Fireworks Early

Shohei Ohtani wasted no time reminding fans why he’s one of baseball’s most electrifying players. Leading off the bottom of the first inning, he crushed a 448-foot solo home run off Rockies starter Germán Márquez, sending the ball soaring into the right-field pavilion. The blast, his sixth of the season, nearly cleared the stadium’s roof—a feat Ohtani narrowly missed last year. “If it was a day game, that ball’s out of the stadium,” manager Dave Roberts remarked postgame. “It’s gonna happen at some point” .  


The Dodgers’ offense didn’t stop there. Freddie Freeman followed with a solo homer of his own, and Andy Pages and Austin Barnes added key hits to fuel a seven-run first inning. Ohtani even returned to the plate later in the inning, driving in another run with a sharp single. By the time the Rockies recorded their third out, the Dodgers had sent 12 batters to the plate and built a commanding 7-1 lead .  

Bobby Miller’s Rollercoaster Season Debut

The Dodgers’ early offensive surge masked what became a shaky outing for Bobby Miller, making his 2025 season debut. The right-hander started strong, striking out seven of the first eight batters he faced. His fastball hit 99 mph, and his slider kept hitters guessing—but trouble brewed in the third inning.  


After loading the bases with a single and two walks, Miller served up a grand slam to Rockies first baseman Michael Toglia, a UCLA alum, followed by a solo homer from Mickey Moniak. Suddenly, the Dodgers’ six-run lead had evaporated to 7-6. Miller’s final line—three innings, six earned runs, seven strikeouts—left mixed feelings. “There’s a lot of positive but a lot of bad at the same time,” Miller admitted. “I know I can do better” .  


Miller’s journey to this start has been fraught with challenges, including a shoulder injury in 2024 and a line drive to the head during spring training. Despite the rocky outing, Roberts emphasized Miller’s potential: “The upside is absolutely high” .  

Bullpen Steps Up to Seal the Sweep

With Miller out after three innings, the Dodgers turned to their bullpen to salvage the game. Lefty Anthony Banda and rookie Ben Casparius delivered critical performances. Casparius, who’d allowed six runs in a disastrous outing days earlier, bounced back with three scoreless innings, giving up just one run. “I simplified everything today,” Casparius said. “It felt really good” .  


Alex Vesia shut down the Rockies in the eighth, and closer Tanner Scott struck out the side in the ninth for his sixth save of the year. The bullpen’s combined effort—allowing just one run over six innings—proved decisive, especially after Pages’ RBI single in the fifth provided the winning margin .  

Dodgers’ Offensive Firepower on Full Display

While Ohtani and Freeman stole the spotlight, the Dodgers’ lineup showed depth. Andy Pages continued his breakout season with two hits and three RBIs, while Austin Barnes’ two-run double highlighted his role as a clutch performer. Even Max Muncy, batting just .193 entering the game, contributed two hits, signaling a potential turnaround. “I’ve finally felt like myself these last few days,” Muncy said .  


The team’s 10-hit performance marked a stark contrast to their recent struggles. Over the past two weeks, the Dodgers had hit just .218 as a team, but the return of their “Big Three”—Ohtani, Mookie Betts, and Freeman—has reignited the offense. Betts, who homered twice in the series, summed it up: “When we’re all clicking, it’s tough to stop us” .  

The Bigger Picture: Dodgers Keep Pace in NL West

With the sweep, the Dodgers improved to 14-6, staying 1.5 games behind the division-leading San Diego Padres. The Rockies, meanwhile, fell to 3-13, the worst record in the National League. Los Angeles’ ability to win close games—they’re now 5-2 in one-run contests—underscores their championship pedigree .  

Key takeaways from the series:  

1. Ohtani’s Dominance: The two-way star is batting .288 with six homers and eight RBIs in 20 games, silencing doubts about his offseason shoulder surgery .  

2. Bullpen Depth: Despite injuries, relievers like Scott and Casparius have stepped up.  

3. Miller’s Potential: While inconsistent, his strikeout ability keeps him in the rotation conversation .  

What’s Next for the Dodgers?

Los Angeles heads to Texas for a weekend series against the Rangers, with Clayton Kershaw nearing a return from injury. The legendary lefty threw three scoreless innings in a rehab start, signaling he could rejoin the rotation soon .  


For now, the Dodgers will relish a sweep fueled by star power, resilience, and a reminder of why they’re World Series favorites. As Ohtani put it: “When we play like this, we’re unstoppable” .