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Shohei Ohtani, Charlie Blackmon Take Center Stage as Dodgers Meet Rockies in Regular-Season Finale
As the 2023 MLB season draws to a close, two players representing very different phases of their careers will take center stage when the Los Angeles Dodgers and Colorado Rockies meet in Denver on Sunday afternoon for the regular-season finale. Shohei Ohtani will look to cap off another likely MVP season, while Charlie Blackmon will take the field one last time, closing out a 14-year career with the Rockies.
Matchup Overview
The Los Angeles Dodgers (97-64) have already clinched the best record in Major League Baseball, securing home-field advantage throughout the playoffs even before their 13-2 win over Colorado on Saturday night. With no seeding implications in the mix, Sunday’s game is more about individual milestones and farewells.
Los Angeles will start left-hander Anthony Banda (3-2, 3.14 ERA), while the Rockies will counter with right-hander Ryan Feltner (3-10, 4.66 ERA). Banda, primarily a reliever, has struggled in his three career outings against Colorado, posting a 13.50 ERA. Feltner has also had a tough time against the Dodgers, with a 7.36 ERA in five appearances.
The Rockies (61-100) will be aiming to avoid a series sweep and end their season on a high note. Sunday also represents Charlie Blackmon Day, a tribute to the veteran outfielder as he bids farewell to the franchise where he spent his entire career.
Shohei Ohtani’s Final Push for History
Shohei Ohtani has enjoyed a stellar season, leading the National League in home runs (54) and RBIs (130). However, Ohtani remains in a tight race for the batting title, as he sits just behind Luis Arraez of the San Diego Padres, who currently holds a .314 batting average compared to Ohtani’s .310. If Ohtani manages to overtake Arraez, he would be the first NL Triple Crown winner since 1937.
“It’s very unlikely,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said of Ohtani’s chance to win the batting title. “I would expect Arraez to play (on Sunday). We’ll see if Shohei can throw another big day.”
Ohtani’s torrid September has certainly made things interesting. Over his past nine games, he has been almost unstoppable, going 26-for-39 with six home runs, six doubles, 20 RBIs, and nine stolen bases. His batting average has surged from .291 on September 1 to its current .310, keeping him in contention for one of baseball’s rarest accomplishments.
Roberts noted that Ohtani’s approach seemed to shift after he hit his 50th home run, suggesting that Ohtani set his sights on the .300 mark after achieving the milestone. “I thought his goal was to hit .300 when he started to hit balls to left field to get base hits,” Roberts said. “I see intent, at more times, to hit the ball flat, versus trying to elevate the baseball.”
Charlie Blackmon’s Swan Song
On the other side of the field, Charlie Blackmon will cap off a decorated 14-year career with the Rockies. The franchise has honored Blackmon throughout the weekend series, and Sunday has been declared Charlie Blackmon Day to commemorate his contributions to the club.
Blackmon, who announced his retirement earlier this week, is a cornerstone in Rockies history. He ranks second in multiple categories for the franchise, trailing only Todd Helton in games played (1,623), hits (1,804), and total bases (2,955). Blackmon also leads the Rockies in triples with 68.
The 38-year-old outfielder has been a consistent force for Colorado throughout his career, which includes four All-Star selections and a batting title in 2017. Since announcing his retirement, Blackmon has been in great form, hitting 7-for-19 with a home run and four RBIs in his past five games.
“I don’t really grasp the gravity of it just yet,” Blackmon said. “Baseball is pretty much all I’ve known. I feel like I’ve never really worked a day in my life, but I do work really hard at the same time.”
The Rockies have endured a challenging season, suffering their second consecutive 100-loss campaign, a far cry from the competitive teams that Blackmon represented in the past. Manager Bud Black acknowledged the difficulty of such a season, saying, “You don’t like it, you don’t like losing.”
Pitching Matchup: Anthony Banda vs. Ryan Feltner
- Anthony Banda (3-2, 3.14 ERA): Banda, who has mostly pitched in relief this season, will make his fourth career appearance against the Rockies. The previous three outings have been rough, with Banda struggling to contain the Rockies’ lineup.
- Ryan Feltner (3-10, 4.66 ERA): Feltner will look to finish an up-and-down season on a positive note. He has had a difficult time against the Dodgers in his career, allowing a 7.36 ERA in five appearances. However, Sunday’s start provides a final opportunity for Feltner to make an impression before heading into the offseason.
Game Significance
While the Dodgers have already secured their postseason fate, the focus for Los Angeles is squarely on Shohei Ohtani’s historic chase. A Triple Crown would only add to Ohtani’s MVP credentials in what has been a truly phenomenal season. Manager Dave Roberts will also be keen to keep his players healthy and fresh as they head into the playoffs as the No. 1 seed in the NL.
For the Rockies, it’s a day to honor one of the franchise’s greatest players. Charlie Blackmon leaves behind a legacy of loyalty and consistent production. Sunday’s game will be a chance for Rockies fans and his teammates to celebrate his career, despite the team’s struggles over the past two seasons.
Key Players to Watch
- Shohei Ohtani: Ohtani will look to put an exclamation point on his incredible season. With a batting title and potential Triple Crown on the line, expect Ohtani to be aggressive at the plate.
- Charlie Blackmon: In his final game, Blackmon will aim to go out on a high note. His farewell has already been emotional, and Sunday will be another opportunity for him to shine in front of the Rockies’ faithful.
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Conclusion
As the Dodgers and Rockies face off for the final time this season, all eyes will be on Shohei Ohtani and Charlie Blackmon. Ohtani has a chance to cap off his MVP campaign with history, while Blackmon will bid an emotional farewell to the team that has been his home for over a decade. Though the Dodgers have already clinched their playoff spot, this regular-season finale carries plenty of meaning, ensuring an entertaining showdown in Denver.
