Dodgers score seven in ninth to beat Rockies, 7-5

AT THE PLATE: The Dodgers were on their way to being shut out until they scored seven runs in the bottom of the ninth inning, the last three coming on a walk-off, three-run home run by catcher A.J. Ellis. Gabe Kapler drove two runs on a double down the left-field line. But the player who most helped his case to make the opening day roster was infielder Ivan DeJesus Jr., who was three for five with a run and a run batted in to raise his spring average to .348. Because DeJesus is one of the Dodgers’ top prospects, Manager Don Mattingly said he would rather have him play in the minors than sit in the majors. But Mattingly also said the injury to Casey Blake could provide DeJesus with the opportunity to get a substantial number of at-bats with the big league club.

ON THE MOUND: Hiroki Kuroda was charged with five runs and eight hits in six innings. Because he threw only 75 pitches in the game, he threw 20 more in the bullpen after he was removed. Relievers Jonathan Broxton, Matt Guerrier and Mike MacDougal each threw a scoreless inning.

EXTRA BASES: Jamey Carroll played in the field in a Cactus League game for the first time in 10 days, as he started at shortstop. Recovered from a bruised finger, Carroll had two assists and didn’t complain of any pain when throwing. He was substituted out in the eighth inning. “It’s good to be back out on the field running around,” Carroll said. With Mattingly all but ruling out Blake for opening day, Carroll could be starting for the Dodgers when the face the San Francisco Giants on March 31.

UP NEXT: Tim Redding faces the Arizona Diamondbacks and Armando Galarraga in Tucson at 1 p.m. Friday. John Ely faces the Seattle Mariners and Erik Bedard in Peoria at 7 p.m. Friday.

ON THE AIR: TV: None. Radio: 790 (Mariners game).

dylan.hernandez@latimes.com