Dodgers catcher Dalton Rushing delivered the walk-off game-winning hit and made a key defensive tag play at home plate in Los Angeles's 8-7 victory over the Colorado Rockies on July 6, 2026.
Rushing said during a press conference that Meggy's relay throw was central to the defensive play's success. "Meggy putting a good throw to me gave us a chance there and obviously getting the ball in so quick," he said. Rushing noted he believed he had tagged the runner on the hand, and the play was part of what he described as the Dodgers' third or fourth big relay of the 2026 season. He also praised Edgardo for turning a difficult double play that helped preserve the team's position. "Edgardo, like mentioned earlier, that was a pretty big double play he turned right there. It's not an easy play," Rushing added.
On his final at-bat, Rushing explained his approach was straightforward: move the ball forward with the infield in and trust the result. "Move the ball forward, good things happen, and it wasn't pretty but it worked," he stated. He also acknowledged that getting extended everyday playing time has changed how he processes difficult outings, noting, "the more you play, the less you think about the 0 for 4 nights or whatever it may be." Previously, a rough game would require him to sit on it for several days before getting another opportunity.
A benches-clearing incident occurred during the game, and Rushing addressed it directly after the final out. He mentioned that he did not intend any harm by the tag or his reaction, and personally told the opposing player as much. "I didn't mean any harm by the tag or the way I reacted to the ball. Made sure he knew that and I told him I was just reacting to the baseball and I don't plan on it going any further," he said.
Rushing described his current offensive form as riding a wave, with his focus remaining on winning baseball games. "I'm kind of riding a wave and taking the good from it," he noted, finishing the July 6 contest with two hits, including the decisive walk-off.