When Freddie Freeman, first baseman for the Los Angeles Dodgers, cranked a go-ahead double in the bottom of the seventh inning on Monday night, he didn't just change the score. He ignited the team’s 18th comeback victory of the 2026 season. The Colorado Rockies thought they had control at Dodger Stadium, but that single swing turned a 3-2 deficit into a 5-3 win, proving once again why Los Angeles remains the most resilient club in Major League Baseball.
The game was tense from the start. With 48,778 fans packed into the stands under the Los Angeles lights, the atmosphere was electric yet cautious. Both pitching staffs were locked in a duel that saw only three runs total before the decisive inning. Then, everything shifted. Here’s the thing about this Dodgers team: they don’t panic when things go wrong. They wait. And then, they strike.
The Seventh-Inning Surge
The turning point arrived quickly and violently. In the bottom of the seventh, the Dodgers unleashed four runs against the Rockies’ bullpen. Freeman’s double wasn’t just an extra-base hit; it was the catalyst. It drove in the run that put Los Angeles ahead for good. Before that moment, the game felt like a stalemate. Afterward, it was a statement.
Interestingly, the Dodgers managed this rally without hitting a single home run. ESPN’s box score showed zero homers for LA compared to one for Colorado. Instead, they relied on small ball, timing, and execution. Total bases barely favored the Dodgers (12 to 11), but those two extra bases came at exactly the right time. That’s baseball chess, not checkers.
Bullpen Blues and New Beginnings
There was a bittersweet note to the victory, though. According to MLB.com, this game marked the end of the Dodgers’ impressive bullpen scoreless streak. For weeks, their relief pitchers had been shutting down opponents. Not anymore. But rather than dwelling on the broken streak, the team’s mindset was refreshingly forward-looking.
"We'll start another one," a team insider reportedly said after the game. It’s a simple phrase, but it captures the culture perfectly. They don’t mourn the past streak; they build the next one. This resilience explains how they’ve maintained an MLB-best +108 run differential despite occasional hiccups. They’ve allowed just 171 runs all season—a league-low 3.17 per game—which is staggering efficiency.
Rockies Struggle on the Road
For the Colorado Rockies, this loss highlighted ongoing struggles away from Coors Field. Their record now sits at 20-35 overall, with a dismal 10-20 mark in road games. Enrique Tovar did his part offensively, recording both a home run and a sacrifice fly—his second of the season in each category—but it wasn’t enough to overcome the Dodgers’ depth.
The Rockies left five runners on base, while the Dodgers left six. Usually, leaving more men on base hurts you. But in this case, Los Angeles converted the critical opportunities. The difference wasn’t volume; it was precision. When it mattered most, the Dodgers delivered.
Season Context and Implications
This win pushes the Dodgers’ record to 34-20, including a strong 16-10 performance at home. Eighteen comebacks in a single season? That’s not luck. That’s a system designed to win close games. Whether it’s Freeman stepping up or the bullpen resetting its standards, every component is firing on all cylinders.
As the series continues, eyes will be on whether the Rockies can adjust or if the Dodgers will continue their march toward the postseason. One thing is certain: watching them rally never gets old. If anything, it becomes more thrilling each time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who made the key play in the seventh inning?
Freddie Freeman hit a double that drove in the go-ahead run during the Dodgers' four-run seventh-inning rally. His timely hitting broke the tie and set the tone for the rest of the game, showcasing his ability to perform in high-leverage situations.
Why is the 18th comeback significant?
It highlights the Dodgers' exceptional resilience in 2026. Coming back from deficits 18 times shows consistent mental toughness and strategic depth across the roster. Most teams struggle to find momentum in losing positions, but Los Angeles turns them into wins regularly.
Did the Dodgers hit any home runs in this game?
No, the Dodgers recorded zero home runs in the 5-3 victory. They won through contact hitting and situational awareness, accumulating 12 total bases compared to the Rockies' 11. It proves they don't need power alone to secure wins.
What happened to the Dodgers' bullpen streak?
The game ended the Dodgers' previous bullpen scoreless streak. However, the team responded positively, with insiders noting they would "start another one." This reflects a growth mindset where setbacks are viewed as fresh starts rather than failures.
How do the Rockies' road stats compare?
The Rockies hold a poor 10-20 record in away games, contributing to their overall 20-35 standing. This loss underscores their difficulty performing consistently outside of Denver, making every road trip a significant challenge for their playoff hopes.