Ryan Ward has solid debut, but Dodgers' bullpen blows lead against Rockies

Rookie outfielder gets two hits in first MLB game, but Los Angeles relievers struggle in 9-6 loss at Coors Field.

Apr. 19, 2026 at 11:35pm

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A fragmented, geometric painting in vibrant colors depicting the dynamic movements and energy of a baseball game, with players and the field deconstructed into overlapping angular shapes.A cubist interpretation of the dramatic action and shifting momentum of a high-scoring baseball game at the hitter-friendly Coors Field.Denver Today

In his major league debut, Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Ryan Ward had two hits and drove in a run, but the team's bullpen blew a late lead as the Dodgers lost 9-6 to the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field. Starter Roki Sasaki pitched well early but was chased in the fifth inning, and relievers Blake Treinen and closer Edwin Díaz struggled to hold the Rockies in check, allowing them to rally for the victory.

Why it matters

The loss is a setback for the Dodgers, who arrived in Denver without having lost to a National League opponent this season. The Rockies, who haven't made the playoffs since 2018, have now won the first two games of the four-game series, exposing some of the Dodgers' bullpen issues.

The details

Ward, the Dodgers' No. 19 prospect, lined a single to right field in the fourth inning for his first major league hit, driving in a run to give Los Angeles a 3-0 lead. He added another single in the sixth. But the Rockies rallied against the Dodgers' relievers, with Treinen and Díaz combining to face eight batters without recording an out in the eighth inning as Colorado took a 9-4 lead. The Dodgers scored twice in the ninth but couldn't complete the comeback.

  • In the fifth inning, Rockies first baseman Kyle Karros hit a 448-foot home run to cut the Dodgers' lead to 3-2.
  • In the seventh inning, Dodgers reliever Blake Treinen gave up four consecutive hits, including a two-run home run by Mickey Moniak, to give the Rockies a 6-5 lead.
  • In the eighth inning, Dodgers closer Edwin Díaz came on for the first time in nine days and promptly gave up three singles, a walk and two runs without recording an out.

The players

Ryan Ward

A 24-year-old outfielder making his major league debut for the Dodgers after spending the last seven years in the minors, where he was the reigning Pacific Coast League MVP.

Roki Sasaki

The Dodgers' starting pitcher, who went 4 2/3 innings, giving up three runs on seven hits with two strikeouts and two walks.

Blake Treinen

A Dodgers reliever who gave up four consecutive hits, including a two-run home run, in the seventh inning to allow the Rockies to take the lead.

Edwin Díaz

The Dodgers' closer who came on in the eighth inning and promptly gave up three singles, a walk and two runs without recording an out.

Troy Johnston

The Rockies' right fielder who made a diving catch to rob Ryan Ward of a hit and end the game in the ninth inning.

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What they’re saying

“You feel really good about being in the big leagues and getting your first shot of accomplishing your dream, what you've been working for your whole life.”

— Miguel Rojas, Dodgers infielder

“The plate discipline, being a better hitter … he's done all that. He's improved his defense. But honestly, for me, just not to let his lack of opportunity in the big leagues deter him. That's easy when you get frustrated and let it affect performance, and he hasn't done that.”

— Dave Roberts, Dodgers manager

What’s next

In the finale of the four-game series on Monday, the Dodgers are expected to start left-hander Justin Wrobleski (2-0, 2.12) against Colorado left-hander Jose Quintana (0-1, 5.63).

The takeaway

This loss highlights the Dodgers' bullpen issues, as their relievers were unable to protect a lead against the struggling Rockies. While rookie Ryan Ward had a promising debut, the Dodgers will need to shore up their pitching if they hope to bounce back and avoid losing the series to their NL West rivals.