Mookie Betts sparked the Los Angeles Dodgers’ 4‑3 victory over the Colorado Rockies on July 9, 2026, when he singled with two strikes in the eighth inning to drive in the go‑ahead run.

What happened?

The Dodgers entered the eighth trailing 3‑2 after the Rockies loaded the bases against reliever Alex Vesia. Betts faced Rockies reliever Antonio Senzatela with two strikes and a full count. He drove a single to center field, scoring Tommy Edman, who had reached third on Freddie Freeman’s double. The hit put Los Angeles ahead for good, and the bullpen closed out the game.

How did the game unfold?

Colorado struck first in the second inning when Kyle Karros and Edouard Julien each hit solo homers off Dodgers starter Roki Sasaki. The Rockies added three runs in the third, highlighted by Brett Sullivan’s walk, a wild pitch, and Mickey Moniak’s sacrifice fly. Sasaki settled after six innings, allowing three runs on four hits while striking out five.

The Dodgers answered in the fifth, with Max Muncy’s double and Freddie Freeman’s double setting up runs. By the sixth, the score was tied 3‑3. In the seventh, the Dodgers loaded the bases but failed to convert, leaving the outcome in the hands of the eighth inning.

Why Betts’ hit mattered for him and the Dodgers

Betts’ two‑strike single demonstrated his reputation as a clutch performer. It marked his fifth go‑ahead hit of the season and helped the Dodgers clinch two of three games in the series, preventing Colorado from earning its first series win at Dodger Stadium since August 2021. The win also kept Los Angeles atop the NL West, tightening the race for the postseason.

Betts finished the night 1‑for‑4 with a run scored and an RBI, adding to his .310 batting average this month. His timing in high‑leverage situations continues to elevate his value, especially as the Dodgers look to solidify their lineup heading into the final stretch.

What’s next for both clubs?

The Rockies will turn to right‑hander Ryan Feltner (3‑2, 4.27 ERA) on Thursday as they travel to San Francisco to face left‑hander Robbie Ray (8‑6, 3.45 ERA). The Dodgers have an off‑day before Shohei Ohtani (8‑2, 1.79 ERA) starts Friday against the Arizona Diamondbacks in the series opener.

Both teams remain in contention for playoff spots, and the Dodgers will rely on veterans like Betts and Ohtani to maintain momentum. Colorado hopes to bounce back with a strong start from Feltner, aiming to snap a long drought at Dodger Stadium.

Key stats: Betts’ go‑ahead single came on a 9‑pitch at‑bat, the Dodgers’ win improved their record to 71‑45, and the Rockies fell to 65‑51. The game featured 13 strikeouts combined and a total of 19 hits.