Rockies Rally Past Dodgers in Coors Field Thriller Behind Moniak’s Power

The Colorado Rockies served notice Sunday at Coors Field that they’re not a team to be overlooked in April, scratching and clawing their way to a 9-6 victory over the Los Angeles Dodgers in what turned out to be a far more competitive affair than many expected. This wasn’t a classic Coors Field slugfest, mind you, though there was plenty of hitting. This was a team that knew when to strike and executed when it mattered most, particularly in the seventh and eighth innings when they essentially put the game away.

The Dodgers came to play, make no mistake. Shohei Ohtani looked sharp at the plate, doubling in the third inning and scoring on an RBI single from Alex Freeland to give Los Angeles an early 2-0 advantage. Will Smith added a ninth-inning RBI single. Max Muncy was a menace at the plate, going 3-for-5. But here’s the thing about baseball in 2026, particularly at altitude: you can’t afford to let a team as talented as Colorado hang around in the later innings. The Dodgers did exactly that, and it cost them.

Julien and Moniak Carry the Load

Edouard Julien was the real story for Colorado. The guy went 3-for-5 with three RBIs, including a crucial two-run single in the eighth that essentially sealed matters. He wasn’t just putting the ball in play; he was doing the kind of professional hitting that wins ballgames. Mickey Moniak, often maligned since his early prospect days, showed everyone why he’s still in the majors with a two-run home run in the seventh and an additional RBI via forceout. That’s four RBIs in one game from a guy who has to prove himself every single day.

Kyle Karros chipped in with a solo shot of his own in the fifth, a decisive moment when the Rockies were establishing their offensive rhythm. Antonio Senzatela, the winning pitcher, deserves credit for stabilizing the Colorado hurlers after what looked like it could be a rough afternoon.

Blake Treinen’s Catastrophic Inning

Let’s talk about Blake Treinen‘s outing because it deserves attention. The Dodgers’ relief pitcher recorded a loss despite throwing zero innings, allowing four hits and three earned runs without recording a single out. That’s not just ineffective; that’s a complete implosion that shifted all momentum toward the Rockies. Whatever happened in the bullpen decision-making for Los Angeles, this was a moment where things fell apart in a hurry.

The Dodgers certainly had their chances. They scored two in the ninth, including a run on a Dalton Rushing groundout, showing they had some fight left. But by then, the Rockies had built enough cushion. This was a game where Los Angeles’s talent level should have carried them, but Colorado’s execution down the stretch prevented it.

Here’s my take: the Rockies proved they can beat quality opponents when they put together complete efforts. The Dodgers learned that even with Ohtani in the lineup and the star power they possess, sloppy pitching changes and allowing the other team to bang around on their mistakes will cost them games. Sometimes in April, that’s the difference between 1-1 and 0-2 in a series. Sunday belonged to Colorado, and they earned every bit of it.