Tovar, Hudson excel as Rockies get first win in L.A. since 2022

LOS ANGELES -- If Yankees shortstop Anthony Volpe wants to raise the stakes in the best-young-shortstop duel, Rockies shortstop Ezequiel Tovar is more than ready to match his level of play.

Tovar had three hits in his first three at-bats on Friday night, including a fourth-inning home run that padded the Rockies’ early advantage in an eventual 4-1 victory over the National League West-leading Dodgers. It was the Rockies’ first win at Dodger Stadium since Oct. 4, 2022. They went 0-6 in Los Angeles in 2023 for their first winless season here in franchise history.

Asked about his development into one of the better young shortstops in the game, Tovar acknowledged the compliment before answering the question.

“You know, I just go out there and do what I can, go out there and compete and continue to get better every day,” Tovar said through an interpreter.

Tovar’s sixth game with at least three hits this season came seven days after his season-best four-hit game. The home run was his eighth of the season. He also scored two runs.

“Now we’re into a year and a couple of months of a guy on his way to a really good career,” manager Bud Black said. ”You know, he’s built the right way. He takes pride in his defense but there is skill to hit.”

A memorable night at Los Angeles had its significance. Volpe also was in Southern California this week collecting a pair of hits in each of the first two games in a series against the Los Angeles Angels. Volpe built his hitting streak to 21 games against the Angels before the run was snapped in Thursday’s series finale.

But Volpe was making his SoCal mark against a last-place team. The Dodgers are in World Series-or-bust mode and Tovar was unfazed. In his last seven games, he’s batting .433 (13-for-30).

“From May of last year until now -- and now, I haven’t seen every shortstop in the league as much as I’ve seen Ezequiel -- I can’t imagine any shortstop who has played any better,” Black said. “He is steady, he is dependable, he makes every play. And he does it his way. He has great instincts.”

If there is anything Black would change, if he could, it is the level of attention Tovar gets. Volpe takes the stage each night in front of the New York media.

“I think [Tovar] has made some plays that have gotten some attention; maybe not as much as others, which is, I think, a little bit of a bummer,” Black said. “But he can really play shortstop. And he’s 22 years old.”

Tovar’s rock-steady defense is helping the pitching staff, as well. Cal Quantrill and Austin Gomber have been leading the Rockies’ charge to 13 victories in the past 20 games. They will take the ball Saturday and Sunday, respectively, as the Rockies aim for their third consecutive series victory after getting the best of the Phillies and Guardians over the past week.

Dakota Hudson is threatening to join that group of dependable pitchers. He went seven scoreless innings Friday against the Dodgers before he was charged with a run in the eighth. It was the first time he pitched into the eighth this season, exiting with two men on and no outs.

Friday’s outing came after Hudson allowed two runs over six innings to the NL-best Phillies last weekend. Hudson leaned into his curveball more than usual, impressing the Dodgers with his sinker.

“It just seemed like he was putting the ball on the ground, getting us to roll over, missing the barrel, and we just couldn't really muster anything tonight against him,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said. “Third time through, I thought we got some balls in the air, took some good swings, but outside of that, we really couldn't manage much.”

Tovar had a better view from shortstop and he was even more impressed.

“Thankfully, the pitching has been there; they’re doing their job,” Tovar said. “Our job is to back them up the best we can and continue to do so.”

Everybody is feeding off one another in the Rockies’ clubhouse and the energy has been palpable.

“It honestly feels like a simplified approach, but we all have each other’s backs,” Hudson said. “We’re trying to make adjustments and there is a lot of communication going on behind closed doors. So it’s a lot of fun.”