Missed chances cost Dodgers in loss to Rockies

Dodgers fall short despite early lead and late rally in Mile High City

Apr. 19, 2026 at 5:54am

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A cubist-style painting featuring sharp, overlapping geometric shapes in shades of blue, purple, and green, capturing the energy and action of a baseball game between the Dodgers and Rockies.A cubist interpretation of the Dodgers' missed opportunities against the Rockies, with the game's key moments fragmented into an abstract visual.Denver Today

The Los Angeles Dodgers jumped out to an early 3-1 lead against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field, but were unable to hold on as the Rockies rallied late to win 4-3. The Dodgers had several missed opportunities, going 0-for-7 with runners in scoring position and leaving 8 men on base.

Why it matters

The loss is a tough one for the Dodgers, who were looking to build momentum after a strong start to the season. The Rockies' comeback win shows their ability to battle back against one of the National League's top teams, while the Dodgers' inability to capitalize on their chances highlights areas they'll need to improve upon going forward.

The details

The Dodgers got off to a hot start, with Shohei Ohtani reaching base and Kyle Tucker hitting a 435-foot home run to give them a 2-0 lead in the first inning. They added another run in the second on a homer by Dalton Rushing. However, Dodgers starter Emmet Sheehan struggled with his command early before settling in, and the Rockies were able to chip away at the lead. In the sixth inning, the Rockies took a 4-3 lead on a two-run double by Troy Johnston off reliever Will Klein. The Dodgers had chances to tie or retake the lead late, but came up empty, going 0-for-7 with runners in scoring position.

  • The Dodgers jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the first inning.
  • Dalton Rushing hit a home run in the second inning to make it 3-1 Dodgers.
  • The Rockies took a 4-3 lead in the sixth inning on a two-run double by Troy Johnston.

The players

Shohei Ohtani

Reached base to open the game for the Dodgers.

Kyle Tucker

Hit a 435-foot home run in the first inning to give the Dodgers an early lead.

Emmet Sheehan

Dodgers starting pitcher who struggled with command early but settled in to go 5 innings, allowing 4 hits and 2 runs.

Will Klein

Dodgers reliever who gave up the go-ahead two-run double to Troy Johnston in the sixth inning.

Troy Johnston

Rockies hitter who hit the decisive two-run double in the sixth inning to give Colorado the lead.

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What they’re saying

“We had some opportunities with guys on base, especially late. We just have to find ways to get hits or get those guys in.”

— Kyle Tucker

“Early on he didn't have a good feel for anything, to be quite honest. Ball, strike ratio wasn't good but I give him a lot of credit because he grinded, made pitches when he needed to. Ironically his best inning was his last.”

— Dave Roberts, Dodgers Manager

“Tonight, it wasn't sharp.”

— Dave Roberts, Dodgers Manager

“It's remarkable. He found a way to get on base. It was good to see it. That's quite the streak. You gotta be pretty dang good to do something like that. He's in a class by himself.”

— Dave Roberts, Dodgers Manager

“Some at-bats are better than others. Just need to try to carry it over to each at-bat in each game, rather than just kind of here and there.”

— Kyle Tucker

What’s next

The Dodgers will look to bounce back in the series finale against the Rockies on Sunday afternoon.

The takeaway

This loss highlights the Dodgers' need to capitalize on scoring opportunities, as their inability to drive in runs with runners on base proved costly. While the team's power and offensive potential was on display early, their inconsistency throughout the game ultimately led to their downfall. The Dodgers will need to shore up these areas as they continue their pursuit of a division title.