Dodgers score eight runs in sixth inning to rout Rockies, 11-3

KEY MOMENT: The Dodgers broke a 3-3 stalemate in the sixth inning by scoring eight runs, the first on a two-run single by pinch-hitter Justin Turner with the bases loaded. Dee Gordon drove in the third run of the inning on a single to left. Yasiel Puig drew a walk to reload the bases and set up Adrian Gonzalez’s two-run double. Matt Kemp struck out, but the next three batters each drove in a run, as Hanley Ramirez doubled, Carl Crawford hit a sacrifice fly and Juan Uribe doubled. Like that, the Dodgers were suddenly ahead, 11-3.

ON THE MOUND: Roberto Hernandez pitched poorly enough to lose, as he lasted only 3 2/3 innings and was replaced by left-hander Paco Rodriguez with two outs and the bases loaded in the fourth inning. Rodriguez forced Charlie Blackmon to ground out, temporarily preserving the Dodgers’ 3-2 lead. Hernandez was charged with two runs, but the Rockies cost themselves one or two more because of baserunning errors. With Hyun-Jin Ryu sidelined, Hernandez is, by default, the Dodgers’ No. 4 starter. That’s a troubling sign for the Dodgers, considering he has only one win in his last five starts and has pitched a combined 11 innings over his last three.

AT THE PLATE: By driving in three runs, Gonzalez became the National League leader in runs batted in with 106. Gonzalez overtook Giancarlo Stanton of Miami, who hasn’t played since he was struck in the face by a pitch last week. Stanton has driven in 105 runs. Behind Stanton is Justin Upton of the Atlanta Braves with 97. Kemp homered for the second consecutive day, as he hit a two-run shot to right-center field in the first inning. Crawford doubled and was hit by two pitches.

MEDICAL REPORT: Ryu was officially ruled out from making his scheduled start Wednesday, but Manager Don Mattingly said the Dodgers were encouraged by what they learned about the left-hander’s throwing shoulder. “Good news, as far as we’re concerned,” Mattingly said of the MRI exam Ryu underwent in Los Angeles. The results were similar to that of an MRI exam Ryu underwent in May, when he was sidelined for three weeks. If Ryu is able to return in a similar time frame, he would be able to pitch in the first round of the postseason. But Mattingly hinted Ryu could be back sooner, saying his rehabilitation schedule could be affected by the team’s place in the standings.

EXTRA BASES: The Dodgers are asking fans to wear blue to Dodger Stadium for the Sept. 22-24 series against the San Francisco Giants. … Rodriguez’s appearance was his first since he was reinstated from the disabled list over the weekend.

UP NEXT: Dan Haren (13-10, 3.99 earned-run average) will face Tyler Matzek (5-10, 4.23) and the Rockies at Coors Field on Tuesday at 5:30 p.m. PDT. On the air: SportsNet LA. Radio: 570, 1020.