Rockies fall to Dodgers 7-3 on June 25, 2025, as Hunter Goodman's HR isn't enough to overcome Chase Dollander's rough start. A familiar story of struggle.
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
It was another one of those nights at Coors Field. A brief moment of excitement, a powerful home run from Hunter Goodman, was quickly overshadowed by the familiar narrative of a struggling starting pitcher and an offense that couldn't keep pace. The Rockies fell to the rival Dodgers 7-3 on Wednesday, a loss that felt like a microcosm of their entire 2025 season.
The team is on pace for a franchise-worst record, with the pitching staff unable to overcome the challenges of Coors Field and a struggling defense.
The hope was for young starter Chase Dollander to take a step forward against a tough Dodgers lineup, but it wasn't his night. Dollander (2-7) battled through 4.1 innings but was tagged for five runs, struggling with command and unable to fool LA's hitters. On the other side, Yoshinobu Yamamoto was as advertised, holding the Rockies to just two runs over six solid frames. The lone offensive fireworks came from Hunter Goodman, who launched his 14th homer of the season, a two-run shot in the sixth that briefly injected life into the ballpark. Brenton Doyle also chipped in with two of the team's six hits, but it was far from enough as the bullpen surrendered two more runs to seal the deal.
This loss wasn't just another tick in the 'L' column; it's part of a deeply concerning trend. Now sitting at 18-60, the Rockies are on a historic losing pace. The root of the problem remains the pitching staff, which ranks 26th in MLB in ERA and a staggering 29th in bWAR. While advanced metrics might show some minor improvements, the on-field results tell the real story: this staff is getting hit hard and often, both at home and on the road. It's a systemic issue that one good start or one powerful homer can't fix.
For fans searching for a silver lining, you have to look down to the farm system. In High-A Spokane, No. 10 prospect Jared Thomas continues to be a bright spot. On Wednesday, he kicked off the game with a leadoff home run to right field, showcasing the power and approach that has scouts excited. While he's still a couple of levels away, players like Thomas represent the future and the hope that a new wave of talent can eventually help turn this ship around. His progress is a key storyline to follow as this tough MLB season wears on.
While nights like these are tough to swallow, they define a rebuilding season. The focus remains on small victories: a Goodman homer, a multi-hit game from Doyle, and promising developments in the minors from players like Jared Thomas. The immediate future looks challenging, but the long-term health of the franchise depends on these young players developing, both at the major league level and on the farm. For now, fans are left to hope for progress and look for those glimmers of what's to come.