Dodgers look to stay in celebratory mood in opener vs. Rockies

It will be a celebration of Shohei Ohtani on Friday when the Los Angeles Dodgers open their final homestand of the season with a game against the Colorado Rockies.

Ohtani secured the first 50-homer, 50-steal season in MLB history on Thursday against the Miami Marlins with one of the biggest offensive days ever. Ohtani now has 51 home runs and 51 steals after a six-hit game that included three home runs, two steals and 10 RBIs.

Ohtani had five extra-base hits and 17 total bases while delivering the 16th double-digit RBI game in MLB history and first since Mark Reynolds in 2018. It is the Dodgers' single-game RBI record.

"If I'm being honest, it was something I wanted to get over with as soon as possible," Ohtani said through interpreter Will Ireton, referencing the fact that the situation was taking on a life of its own with specialty marked baseballs so they could be identified.

The Dodgers (91-62) had plenty of reasons to celebrate as Ohtani not only delivered his historic game, he helped the team clinch a playoff spot in the 20-4 victory. But the Dodgers kept the party limited to a champagne toast before its cross-country flight.

"Obviously I changed teams this year and my goal has always been to make it to the playoffs," Ohtani said. "It's something I have really worked hard at and I'm really happy to have been able to make it and now my goal is to perform well in playoff situations."

It will be Ohtani's first trip to the postseason after playing his first six seasons with the Los Angeles Angels.

"This was a win for Major League Baseball," said Dodgers manager Dave Roberts, who saw Ohtani reach the 40-40 club on a game-ending grand slam Aug. 23 against the Tampa Bay Rays. "I know people all over the globe were watching this game and we're excited they got a chance to witness history. This game has been around a long time and he's one of one."

Yet the team goals will not stop now. The Dodgers increased their National League West lead over the second-place San Diego Padres to four games. Both teams have nine games to play, including three games against each other at Los Angeles starting Tuesday.

Los Angeles is tied with the Philadelphia Phillies for the best record in the major leagues.

The Dodgers have not named a starter for Friday, with Roberts suggesting it could be a bullpen game. However they play it, they are expected to add a fresh pitcher to the active roster.

The Rockies (59-94) are set to send left-hander Kyle Freeland (5-7, 4.89 ERA) to the mound. Freeland gave up three runs over seven innings in a no-decision against the Chicago Cubs on Saturday and has a 2.35 ERA over his past five starts (30 2/3 innings).

Freeland is 5-10 with a 4.75 ERA against the Dodgers in 23 career starts.

The Rockies are 5-2 since Sept. 12 but still need four more wins to avoid their second consecutive 100-loss season.

"I think our defense has been solid, we've gotten some timely hitting and we still have to hit a little more," Rockies manager Bud Black said. "But collectively, the pitching staff has hung in there."

The Rockies head to Los Angeles after winning two of three at home against the Arizona Diamondbacks. Black recorded his 535th win as Colorado manager on Tuesday, the most ever in franchise history.

--Field Level Media