Dodgers lose 7-6 to Rockies without Ethier

LOS ANGELES (AP) — With most of the attention on the Dodgers' side of the field directed toward a reported failure to communicate between All-Star right fielder Andre Ethier, manager Don Mattingly and the medical staff, the team's five-game winning streak ended with their 18th one-run loss of the season.

Kevin Kouzmanoff drove in his first four runs since joining the Colorado Rockies this week, and manager Jim Tracy needed five relievers to hold off his former club and preserve a 7-6 victory Sunday.

Ethier wasn't in the lineup because of a sore right knee — although he was on-deck to pinch-hit for Rod Barajas when Aaron Miles made the last out.

Ethier's absence was a break for the Rockies, whose five-run first