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17 April 2025

Dodgers Seek Series Sweep Against Rockies With Miller's Return

Bobby Miller makes his season debut as Dodgers aim for back-to-back wins after recent struggles

The Los Angeles Dodgers celebrated a significant victory on April 15, 2025, defeating the Colorado Rockies 6-2 at home. This win marked the Dodgers' first series triumph in their last four attempts, setting them up for a potential sweep against the Rockies the following day. The Dodgers showcased a powerful offense and a resilient pitching performance, putting them back on the winning track.

Landon Knack took the mound for the Dodgers, delivering a much-improved performance compared to his previous outing. He allowed two runs and four hits over 4 1/3 innings, a notable turnaround from his earlier struggles. The bullpen stepped in to maintain the lead, shutting out the Rockies for the remainder of the game. The highlight of the night came from catcher Will Smith, who hit a three-run homer in the third inning, helping to propel the Dodgers to a decisive victory despite leaving 12 runners on base.

As the Dodgers prepared for the series finale on April 16, they welcomed back Bobby Miller, who was making his season debut after a tumultuous 2024 season plagued by injuries. Miller had faced shoulder and adductor issues last year, resulting in a disappointing 8.52 ERA over 13 Major League starts. In contrast, his minor league performance this season had been promising, with a 2.25 ERA in three appearances for Triple-A Oklahoma City.

Miller's return to the mound was highly anticipated, especially after he had to navigate a challenging Spring Training, where he was hit in the head by a line drive. Fortunately, he escaped serious injury and returned to form, pitching 4 2/3 shutout innings in his last minor league start on March 30. In 2023, Miller had shown flashes of brilliance, posting a 3.76 ERA across 22 starts and striking out 119 batters in 124.1 innings.

On the opposing side, Germán Márquez took the mound for the Rockies, looking for his first win of the season. Márquez, who had undergone Tommy John surgery in May 2023, was hoping to build on a strong debut against the Phillies, where he allowed no runs over six innings. However, his subsequent outings had been less successful, leading to a 4.60 ERA as he sought to regain his form.

The Dodgers had not faced Márquez since April 2023, when he allowed four runs in 5 1/3 innings against them. Historically, he had been effective at Dodger Stadium, boasting a 2.89 ERA in 56 innings pitched at the venue. As the Dodgers aimed to sweep the series, the matchup between Miller and Márquez promised to be an exciting one.

In addition to Miller's return, the Dodgers were also bolstered by the return of Teoscar Hernández, who had missed the previous two games due to a stomach bug. He was set to return to right field, while Austin Barnes took over behind the plate in place of Smith.

Meanwhile, Clayton Kershaw made headlines with his first rehab start on April 16, allowing two hits over three scoreless innings. Kershaw's return to the mound was a positive sign for the Dodgers, who had been eagerly awaiting his comeback after a lengthy absence due to injury.

As the Dodgers prepared for the pivotal game against the Rockies, all eyes were on Miller. Would he be able to shake off the rust from his injury-plagued past season and deliver a performance that would help the Dodgers secure a sweep? The stakes were high, and the excitement in the air was palpable.

The first pitch for the series finale was scheduled for 7:10 PM PT, and Dodgers fans were ready to rally behind their team as they sought to build momentum in the early part of the 2025 season. With a mix of anticipation and hope, the Dodgers were set to take the field, looking to capitalize on their recent success and solidify their position in the standings.

As the game unfolded, the Dodgers were determined to continue their winning ways. The Rockies, on the other hand, were desperate to break their five-game losing streak and turn their fortunes around. The matchup was not just about the teams; it was about players proving themselves and reclaiming their spots in the competitive landscape of Major League Baseball.

With the Dodgers' offense clicking and their pitching staff showing signs of resilience, the stage was set for an exciting showdown. Would Miller rise to the occasion and deliver a performance that would silence the critics? Could the Dodgers maintain their momentum and continue to build on their recent success? Fans were eager to find out as the game approached.

As the clock ticked closer to game time, the excitement in the stadium was electric. Dodgers fans filled the stands, ready to cheer on their team, while Rockies supporters hoped for a turnaround. The battle between the two teams promised to be fierce, with both sides aiming for a crucial victory.

In the end, it was a night to remember for the Dodgers, who were looking to secure their place among the league's elite. With Bobby Miller making his long-awaited return to the mound, the Dodgers were primed for a thrilling game that would set the tone for the rest of the season. As the players took their positions, the atmosphere was charged with anticipation, and baseball fans everywhere were ready for what was sure to be an unforgettable matchup.