DENVER -- Rookie Tyler Anderson handcuffed the Dodgers for the second time this month and singled home a run, while Cristhian Adames had three hits in a 7-0 Colorado win in the day game of Wednesday's Coors Field doubleheader, the Rockies' first shutout at home this year.
Anderson (5-5) pitched 6 1/3 scoreless innings in a duel with fellow rookie Ross Stripling (3-6), who allowed Nolan Arenado's two-out RBI double, Anderson's one-out RBI single and Gerardo Parra's RBI double. Anderson beat the Dodgers Aug. 3, 12-2, allowing two runs in seven innings. Stripling served his club well despite the defeat, charged with three runs in six innings.
"It was nice to be efficient, especially in a park like this against an offense like theirs," said Stripling. "The way I scouted, I needed to pitch in, and in a park like this, that can be intimidating. If you miss, it can go a long way. I just stuck to the game plan and didn't think about the park too much."

Rockies pinch-hitter Stephen Cardullo homered off reliever Casey Fien, his first career round-tripper, and on his 29th birthday.
The Dodgers, whose lead in the National League West was trimmed to one game, have scored 10 runs total in the last seven games. They were 0-for-7 with runners in scoring position in this game and are 0-for-20 in their last three games.

"Left-handed pitching has been our Achilles heel as far as on-base percentage and runners in scoring position. That's no secret, and our at-bats have to get better," said Dodgers manager Dave Roberts, whose club is 16-18 against lefties. "Clubs are going to be running left-handers out there against us going forward, so we've got to find a way to get runners on base and get them in. Something we've got to figure out against left-handed pitching."
Anderson's outing was especially impressive, considering he warmed up and was expected to start Tuesday's game, which was rained out. Still, he was able to throw 97 pitches, a mark he has reached one other time in his last eight starts.

"[He was] pretty much what we've seen all along, in complete control of the strike zone -- adding, subtracting with all of his pitches," Rockies manager Walt Weiss said. "He knows how to keep the ball off the barrel. That's what he did all day."

MOMENTS THAT MATTERED
Going for the crown: DJ LeMahieu came into Wednesday leading Daniel Murphy by 0.0004 points for the National League batting title and padded his average with a 2-for-5 day to raise his average to .345. He came around to score the first run of the game after reaching on an infield single in the first inning and singled to center in the third.
"It's comforting [to get an early cushion], but you know you can't really rely on it at home just because there are so many runs scored here," Anderson said. "Whether we get a big lead or no lead or an early lead, you still want to go out and execute."
Gold Glove form: The Dodgers defense kept the game close with double plays in the second and third innings, both started by first baseman Adrián González. The first one, with runners on first and third, erased Adames trying to score from third base. The second one was completed by Stripling covering first on a 3-6-1.

"Two double-plays to get out of two innings, and all because of his glove," Stripling said of Gonzalez. "He's done great things for me in multiple outings, and you can't say too much about what he's done sealing that corner for us."

The best birthday present: Cardullo hit his first career homer on his 29th birthday, representing a major milestone in his journey to the Majors. He spent four years in Independent ball before signing with the Rockies this January. He pinch-hit for reliever Chris Rusin in the seventh inning and hit the eighth pitch of his at-bat against Casey Fien 445 feet to left-center field.

"Growing up, you always visualize those things," Cardullo said. "Bottom of the ninth, full count, bases loaded. Growing up, I wanted to hit my first home run as a walk-off. Getting that first home run is a special feeling."
Cardullo is the fifth player to hit his first career homer on his birthday since 2000, according Elias. The other four were Rockies center fielder Charlie Blackmon (2011), Cubs outfielder Ángel Pagán (2006), Phillies pitcher Randy Wolf (2002), and Tigers first baseman Eric Munson (2001). More >
QUOTABLE
"I'm at a loss for words with all the blessings that I've had this year. Being given an opportunity to come to Spring Training then making the team. Having a good year, and then the next thing you know, I'm in the Major Leagues helping the team win. I've got to thank God for all his blessings." -- Cardullo
SOUND SMART WITH YOUR FRIENDS
This is the 16th time the Rockies have shut out the Dodgers, but only the fifth time they have done so at Coors Field. The last time they did so was on Aug. 27, 2012.
WHAT'S NEXT
Dodgers: Twenty-year-old Julio Urías gets the ball on Friday at 7:10 p.m. PT against the Padres at Dodger Stadium in the series opener. He is closing in on an unspecified innings limit this year with a career-high 108, continues to hold down a starting slot until one of the four starters on the disabled list returns. He allowed the Cubs one run in six innings with eight strikeouts in his last start.
Rockies: Left-hander Jorge De La Rosa (8-7, 5.09 ERA) will face off against his former team as the Rockies host the D-backs in the first game of a three-game set on Friday at 6:40 p.m. MT. He has been hit around for five homers in his last four starts but maintained a respectable 4.50 ERA.
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