Introduction to the Dodgers’ Downfall
The result was historic. The way it happened was all too familiar. Never before, since interleague play began in 1997, had the Dodgers been swept in a six-game season series by the Angels. Plenty of times in recent weeks, however, they’ve suffered the kind of fate that clinched that distinction Wednesday.
The Game’s Turning Point
Entering the eighth inning at Angel Stadium, the Dodgers were leading by only one run, having once again failed to stretch a narrow lead. And without many trustworthy options in a recently scuffling bullpen, manager Dave Roberts had few cards to play from his deck. First, he sent left-hander Justin Wrobleski out for a third inning of work. When he walked the first two batters, Roberts then turned to right-hander Edgardo Henriquez, who had pitched multiple innings the night before.
A Familiar Collapse
If you’ve been watching the Dodgers over the last couple of weeks, you can probably guess what happened next. Some bad luck: A potential inning-ending double-play grounder that took a deflection off Henriquez’s glove. Bad execution: Henriquez throwing a center-cut fastball to Logan O’Hoppe that, even at 103.2 mph, was smoked into center. And, in a scene that has repeated itself time and again during the Dodgers’ recent skid, plenty of hanging, defeated heads.
The Aftermath
In a 6-5 loss that was decided on O’Hoppe’s go-ahead two-run single, the Dodgers not only suffered a second series sweep to the Angels this year — but also, for the first time since April 27, fell out of first place in the National League West. “It just seems like right now,” Roberts said, “that’s the way things are going.” From nine games up in the division on July 3, to one game back of the San Diego Padres ahead of their visit to Dodger Stadium this weekend.
Assessing the Damage
“We’re where we’re at. We put ourselves in this spot,” Roberts said. “But no, I wouldn’t have expected us to be in second place right now.” Indeed, countless unforeseen trip wires have contributed to the Dodgers’ sudden tumble in the standings. For most of July, they had the worst offense in the majors. Up until recently, their starting rotation was beset by injuries. In the last week and a half, however, there’s been a common script almost too easy to predict.
The Pattern of Defeat
The Dodgers take an early lead, but miss opportunities to extend it. Then they turn things over to their bullpen, and watch their patchwork relief corps inevitably begin to melt. It happened twice last week against the St. Louis Cardinals, and once more last Sunday against the Toronto Blue Jays. On Tuesday, it negated a go-ahead home run from Shohei Ohtani in the ninth inning. And on Wednesday, it wasted the lead he had left the mound with after his longest, but hardly most impressive, pitching start of the year.
Edgardo Henriquez bites his glove as he walks off the mound after giving up the go-ahead run in the eighth inning.
(Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times)
Moving Forward
Now, for the first time since 2021, the Dodgers have ground to make up with less than two months to go in the year. “It is what it is,” shortstop Mookie Betts said. “Can’t change it right now.” The good news: They can change it on Friday, when the Padres come to town for the first of two critical series between the teams over the next 10 days. The bad news: The Dodgers are entering that pivotal stretch with four-straight losses, and a 12-21 record since July 4. The Padres, meanwhile, have won five straight games and are 23-12 over that same extended span.
Conclusion
The Dodgers’ recent performance has been marred by a lack of execution and bad luck. As they head into a critical stretch of games, they will need to regroup and find a way to overcome their struggles. With the Padres coming to town, the Dodgers have an opportunity to turn their season around and reclaim their spot at the top of the National League West.
FAQs
Q: What is the current state of the Dodgers’ season?
A: The Dodgers have fallen out of first place in the National League West and are currently in second place, one game behind the San Diego Padres.
Q: What has been the main issue with the Dodgers’ recent performance?
A: The Dodgers have struggled with executing and holding onto leads, often due to a scuffling bullpen.
Q: What is the significance of the upcoming series against the Padres?
A: The series is critical for the Dodgers, as they look to turn their season around and reclaim their spot at the top of the National League West.
