BETH HARRIS
AP Sports Writer
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Justin Turner is at his best with runners in scoring position, and he delivered again in a big spot for the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Turner’s two-run infield single highlighted a six-run sixth inning in a 7-4 victory over the Colorado Rockies on Friday night, giving the NL West champions their third win in a row.
“We don’t want to give anything away and want to keep the momentum going into the playoffs,” said Turner, who came in hitting .410 with runners in scoring position, tops in the majors.
The Dodgers’ 92nd victory tied their total from last season, and the club has posted consecutive 90-win seasons for the first time since 1976-78.
“This is a weekend to get ready for what we’re going to have in front of us,” pinch-hitter Darwin Barney said.
Justin Morneau of Colorado went 2 for 3 with a two-run homer and a walk to move past Pittsburgh’s Josh Harrison for the NL batting lead at .319. Harrison was at .318 after going went 1 for 4 in a win over Cincinnati.
“It’s very cool to see the season Morney’s put together,” Rockies manager Walt Weiss said. “He’s one of the guys you pull extra hard for.”
The Rockies fell to 6-37 on the road since June 16 with their second straight loss and third in their last four games.
Scott Elbert (1-0) recorded the final out of the sixth for his first win since July 3, 2012, against Cincinnati. He had Tommy John surgery in June 2013 and didn’t return until late July.
Colorado’s pitching fell apart in the sixth when its 3-1 lead disappeared. Scott Van Slyke had an RBI single before Turner’s single to second base put Los Angeles ahead 4-3 and chased Jordan Lyles (7-4).
“Guys were aggressive on the basepaths,” Turner said. “Slykie was going hard and got that second RBI.”
Juan Uribe added a two-run single and Barney’s sacrifice fly made it 7-3.
Barney singled and scored earlier in the sixth in addition to driving in the Dodgers’ final run. He broke his bat in his first trip to the plate and visited the clubhouse to find another one for his second at-bat.
“It’s funny like that, one bat will last forever and then you start going through them like firewood,” he said.
Lyles was charged with five runs and eight hits in 5 1-3 innings. He struck out four and walked none in his final start of the season.
“I was pretty efficient early on. Then in the sixth, they hit more balls but at our guys,” Lyles said. “They have a pretty good lineup. That’s why they won the division. You’ve got to knuckle down on all eight guys in the lineup.”
Yasiel Puig’s RBI single in the first gave the Dodgers a 1-0 lead, but he was thrown out trying to stretch it into a double.
Two days after winning their second straight division title, the Dodgers lifted Puig in the sixth along with Adrian Gonzalez, and Turner left in the seventh as Los Angeles rested some of its starters ahead of next week’s playoff opener.
The Rockies scored three times in the third on Morneau’s 17th homer and Rafael Ynoa’s fielder’s choice grounder. Ben Paulsen added a two-out homer in the ninth.
Dodgers starter Roberto Hernandez gave up three runs and six hits in 5 2-3 innings.
SCULLY’S TRIBUTE
Hall of Fame announcer Vin Scully had some help holding up a banner that read “You’re the Best!” from his booth during the seventh-inning stretch, and fans responded with cheers.
WEISS’ ANNIVERSARY
Friday marked the 27th anniversary of Weiss’ first start and first hit. Playing for Oakland, Weiss hit a double off Chicago White Sox pitcher Jose DeLeon.
“Alfredo Griffin was the shortstop and I was a September call-up,” Weiss said. “I wasn’t playing. I’d been up there a few weeks, and he (Griffin) slid headfirst into first base, trying to avoid a tag, tore ligaments in his thumb, so I got to play and I ended up playing well.”
Oakland eventually traded Griffin, and Weiss went on to win the 1988 AL Rookie of the Year.
TRAINER’S ROOM
Rockies: 2B DJ LeMahieu left in the bottom of the sixth with a left knee sprain. He was replaced by Charlie Culberson.
Dodgers: LHP Hyun-Jin Ryu (shoulder inflammation) felt good after throwing 25 to 30 pitches off a bullpen mound Friday. If everything goes well, he will throw a full bullpen on Sunday and follow with a simulated game next week before the playoffs begin.
UP NEXT
Rockies: Eddie Butler (1-1, 5.56 ERA) will make his first career road start for the Rockies and third overall. He made his major league debut against the Dodgers on June 6, giving up six runs and 10 hits in 5 1-3 innings of a 7-2 loss.
Dodgers: Dan Haren (13-11, 4.03 ERA) is 7-4 in 15 home starts with a 3.30 ERA while limiting opposing batters to a .228 average. He is 7-9 in 18 career starts against the Rockies with a 5.19 ERA.
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