Whether Dodgers utility outfielder/infielder Scott Van Slyke saw something in Colorado Rockies’ reliever Franklin Morales’s delivery that he liked or he just simply wanted Saturday night’s four hour and six minute 12-inning marathon game to end we may never know, because he bolted from the Dodgers clubhouse before reporters could ask him. But by all appearances it was probably the latter of the two in a (basically) meaningless game that had no end in sight.

In an argument against expanded September rosters, the Dodgers and Rockies used a combined 28 position players and a combined 16 pitchers in what finally ended as a 6-5 Dodgers win in the unlikeliest of fashions. Without going into all of the details that made one’s scorecard look like a jigsaw puzzle the long and short of it is this:

Dodgers lefty Paco Rodriguez was called in to save Dan Haren’s 5-4 game in the top of the 9th but gave up a pinch hit home run to Rockies September call-up first baseman Ben Paulsen, who had exactly three home runs to that point. With all of their regulars out of the game, the chances of a Dodgers walk-off home run seemed highly unlikely (Van Slyke, Joc Pederson and Andre Ethier notwithstanding). In the bottom of the 12th inning Van Slyke slapped a one out single to right in this spring training-like game.

Van Slyke’s 12th-inning single brought life back into the remaining Dodger Stadium crowd.
(Photo credit – Ron Cervenka)

Van Slyke then took second base when Dodgers catcher Tim Federowicz was hit by an 87-MPH Morales slider. Van Slyke then surprised everyone in the stadium when he stole third base on Morales’s first pitch to Dodgers third baseman Miguel Rojas. Ironically, it was Van Slyke’s second stolen base of the night but only his fourth of the season.

It’s safe to say that no one expected Van Slyke to steal third base with one out in the bottom of the 12th.
(Photo credit – Ron Cervenka)

On the very next pitch, Morales uncorked a wild pitch allowing Van Slyke to literally walk-off with the win, which was credited to Dodgers right-hander Carlos Frias – the first of his MLB career and a wild one at that.

Van Slyke literally walks off with the win on Morales’s wild pitch.
(Photo credit – Ron Cervenka)

“My pitch was working, my location was working,” said Frias, who did stay after the game.

Carlos Frias pitched three scoreless innings allowing no hits and one walk while striking out five en route to his first MLB win and a probable spot on the playoff roster.
(Photo credit – Ron Cervenka)

What was it like winning his first MLB game?

“Exciting, very exciting,” said Frias.

As for starting pitcher Dan Haren, who exited the game after five innings and 78 pitches, his post-game interview was perhaps the most unique in baseball history – he left a note for reporters.

Right-hander Dan Haren showed off his great sense of humor by leaving this note for reporters for his post-game interview on Saturday night. (Photo credit – Ron Cervenka)

Sunday’s regular season finale against these same Rockies at Dodger Stadium should prove to be an interesting one. Dodgers manager Don Mattingly announced that Juan Uribe will manage the game with Clayton Kershaw as his pitching coach.

Fun times indeed.