Dodgers and Green Finding Their Groove

Either the Dodgers have overcome their problems at Coors Field, or they’re simply facing the reeling Rockies at the right time.

Whatever the reason, the Dodgers played well again Saturday in a 10-2 rout before 24,393.

A day after an inspiring 8-7 come-from-behind victory in the series opener, the Dodgers overwhelmed the Rockies from the start.

Shawn Green hit his 13th home run and added a bases-clearing double for a season-high five runs batted in against Colorado (65-78), which has dropped seven in a row and 20 of 25.

Reserve infielder Ron Coomer made the most of a rare start with his first multi-homer game in four seasons.

Coomer hit two home runs and also knocked in three runs. The Dodgers had 13 hits after getting 17 Friday, and scored at least 10 runs for only the third time.

Odalis Perez’s efficient six-inning outing preceded a solid performance from newcomers to the major league’s top bullpen.

Rookie left-hander Steve Colyer worked two scoreless innings. Rodney Myers shut out the Rockies in the ninth to complete the Dodgers’ third victory in eight games at the major league’s top launching pad.

Coors Field had been a house of horrors for the Dodgers as they went 1-5 in the teams’ first two series. Their final visit of the season, however, has been fun.

“We were not playing well when we came in here in May,” said Manager Jim Tracy, whose team improved to 74-66 and goes for the sweep today.

“We were struggling very badly at the time offensively, and we had a few of our regular guys hurt when we came back just prior to the All-Star break.

“We’re well aware of the situation we’re in at this time in the season. We are in a position where games have to be won, and we’re playing very mindful of that fact.”

The situation is always on Green’s mind.

The linchpin of the Dodger offense, Green has struggled throughout the season while playing with a painful right shoulder injury, though he was in a groove Saturday.

Green provided the team’s first key hit -- a two-run homer in the first against Darren Oliver (10-11).

Then with one out, the bases loaded and the Dodgers leading, 3-1, in the fifth, Green hit a 400-foot drive to deep center to break the game open, 6-1. Green has a career-high 46 doubles, moving within one of matching Wes Parker’s single-season Los Angeles record.

“It was a good day all around,” said Green, who leads the majors in doubles. “It felt good to drive in some people and contribute to a win.

“To come back and score a bunch of runs [Friday], something we haven’t done all year ... that helped carry over. Today, to get out in front and get a lead, everyone just kind of relaxed.”

Perez (12-10) contributed with his arm and bat. The left-hander gave up five hits and two runs and also went two for three with two runs.

Perez was pleased about his strong comeback at Coors Field after a nightmarish three-plus-inning outing (11 hits and nine earned runs) in a 12-5 loss May 29. He said he focused more on throwing his fastball, which made a difference.

“It was better than the last time. It was very different,” said Perez, who has six victories in his last seven starts.

“The last time, I fell in love with my breaking balls. They know my best two pitches are my changeup and curveball. You have to throw the fastball.”

What about those two hits?

“That didn’t surprise me,” said Perez, who has five hits in 51 at-bats. “Even if I’m not a tremendous hitter, I put the ball in play most of the time.”