Before Sunday night, all three of
“Honestly, just trying to win a game,” Kemp said. “We all know that’s a good team over there and we haven’t played well against them. We needed to get this win.”\n\nKemp, 35, a Dodger from 2006-14 and in ‘18, didn’t receive what no doubt would have been respectful applause. Still, it was a special night. His second-inning single, before
But the game-flipping homer off Caleb Ferguson was important in the here and now. By taking 2-of-3 in a place where, before this weekend, the Rockies had lost 16 of their last 17, the Rockies returned to .500 (20-20). The road trip continues Monday with the first of three against the Padres, who took 3-of-4 at Coors during the last homestand.\n\n“Our intensity level has been up a lot more these past three or four games, really grinding it out,” said Kemp, who reached outside the strike zone for Ferguson’s breaking ball. “We know where we stand. We know we haven’t played well in the previous weeks, but we know we’re capable.\n\n“I’m just happy it got us a win, and we get a happy bus ride to San Diego to play another good team and get some more wins.”\n\nNights like Sunday were the reason the Rockies signed Kemp after the shutdown.\n\n“His composure and experience helps him in situations like this,” Rockies manager Bud Black said.\n\nBeyond a great story for Kemp, here are three takeaways from the game and series:
**1\\. Scrappy ways to win** \nSince a 23-5 home embarrassment against the Giants on Sept. 1, the Rockies have won three of four in comeback fashion. Friday’s loss was a special kind of disappointment.
**2\\. Almonte movin’ on back** \nLate-relief roles have been mercurial. For example, Carlos Estévez has been solid for much of the year, but he gave up two homers in the eighth on Friday and another one on Sunday -- Chris Taylor’s two-run shot for a 6-5 Dodgers advantage in the sixth.\n\nBut Yency Almonte delivered a perfect eighth Saturday and did the same in the seventh Sunday to earn wins both nights. Almonte has been scoreless in seven of his last nine appearances, and figures to join
**3\\. A lift from the bottom (and production up top)** \nStarting with Kemp in the No. 6 spot, the final four hitters in the order went 6-for-16 -- with the Fuentes and Kemp homers, and
Add to that Fuentes’ key two-run double Saturday,