Barnes HR, Jansen bounces back as Dodgers edge Rockies 1-0

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Austin Barnes homered early, Kenley Jansen preserved the lead late and the Los Angeles Dodgers snapped a three-game losing streak with a 1-0 victory over the Colorado Rockies on Saturday night.

Jansen had blown saves against the San Francisco on Wednesday and Thursday, but pitched a scoreless ninth for his 22nd save in 26 opportunities. The right-hander, who allowed a combined seven runs in one inning his past two outings, issued a two-out walk to Ryan McMahon but got C.J. Cron to chase an 0-2 slider to end the game.

Manager Dave Roberts said he was happy that Jansen came out out of the bullpen to cheers instead of being booed.

“I know Kenley fed off of that. For him to close out a one-run game was big for all of us,” Roberts said.

It is the Dodgers’ ninth shutout, which is tied for fifth in the majors. Los Angeles was able to pick up a win despite missing injured outfielders Mookie Betts and Cody Bellinger along with infielder Max Muncy, who is on paternity leave.

Barnes connected on a slider from Kyle Freeland (1-5) and drove it into the left field stands in the second inning for his fourth homer of the season. Barnes came into the game with a .213 batting average but is 5 for 9 in his last four games.

“I have just been trying to slow it down and see the ball. I got a couple good swings tonight,” he said.

It is the 12th time the Rockies have been blanked this season, which is the most in the majors. Colorado had 12 hits and four home runs in Friday's 9-6 victory in 10 innings, but tied a season low with only two hits.

“We just never got in a position to get a big hit. We weren’t able to put any pressure on them,” said bench coach Mike Redmond, who is filling in while manager Bud Black is on the COVID-19 list. “They did a nice job pitching. We...

source https://www.chron.com/sports/article/Barnes-HR-Jansen-bounces-back-as-Dodgers-edge-16337978.php