Diamondbacks 5, Dodgers 4
The Los Angeles Dodgers’ bullpen spoils another classic outing from Shohei Ohtani. Ohtani shut out the Arizona Diamondbacks, withdrawing from the game with 6.0 IP, 8 SO, 0 BB, 5 H, and 0 ER. Six scoreless innings and a four-run lead proved to be not enough for the bullpen to put the game away. The Diamondbacks jumped the bullpen as soon as Ohtani was pulled, erasing the four-run deficit with ease.
Dodgers – Diamondbacks Game Summary
Teoscar Hernández put the Dodgers on the board first with a solo shot to center field in the second inning. After receiving early run support, Ohatni did his part on the mound. He kept the Diamonbacks quiet for six innings, only giving up five hits. The Diamondback lineup had no answer for him and looked overmatched in key moments.
In the top half of the sixth, Hernandez struck again, adding some run insurance with a triple that drove in Freddie Freeman and Shohei Ohtani.
Ben Rortvedt belted his first homer in Dodger blue to extend the lead to four in the seventh.
In the bottom of the seventh, the Diamondbacks immediately took advantage of Ohtani’s exit. James McCann faced Jack Dreyer and notched a two-out double, scoring Ildemaro Vargas.
With two outs and a runner on second, the Diamondbacks pinch-hit righty Jordan Lawlar for lefty Jake McCarthy. Dave Roberts decided to combat this move by replacing Jack Dreyer with Edgardo Henriquez. In a two-for-one move, Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo pinch-hit Adrian Del Castillo for Lawlar. Castillo hit a two-run homer to right field, bringing the game within one.
In the bottom of the ninth, Tanner Scott’s number was called again in a save situation. He hit the first batter he faced and walked the next, and a sacrifice bunt advanced the runner to third. A sacrifice fly from Jorge Barrosa plated the game-tying run.
Geraldo Perdomo singled to shallow left and scored Tim Tawa for a walkoff.
What Went Right for the Dodgers
Ohtani Continues to Dominate
Shohei Ohtani once again displayed why he is a force on the mound. He threw six shutout innings, allowing only five hits. He kept Arizona’s lineup off balance all game, not even allowing a single walk. Even with runners on, Ohtani remained composed and delivered when the moment called for it. In his final start of the season, he finishes with a 2.87 ERA and a 0.46 ERA over his last four starts.
What Went Wrong for the Dodgers
Bullpen Collapse (Again)
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The Dodgers’ bullpen blows another great outing by Ohtani as they continue to struggle collectively. Dreyer couldn’t finish the seventh, and Henriquez surrendered a homer that put the Diamondbacks within striking distance. To top it off, Tanner Scott has recorded his 11th blown save of the season, leading all of baseball. The bullpen seems unable to hold onto any lead, no matter the amount of run insurance.
Missed Opportunities at the Plate
While the Dodgers struck early and provided Ohtani with run support, their bats fell silent in the late innings. They failed to add runs that could’ve eased pressure on the bullpen. They left the bullpen with no margin for error after the Diamondbacks started to come back.
Managerial Miscues
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Dave Roberts’ chess match in the seventh inning didn’t pay off. He pulled Henriquez for Dreyer, but then was immediately countered, and the matchup advantage disappeared. Instead of trusting his reliever to get the final out in that spot, he burned two pitchers in quick succession. This move backfired and also shortened his options in later innings.
Looking Ahead
The Dodgers look to bounce back after a disappointing loss as they are in a tight race for the NL West pennant with the San Diego Padres only a game and a half back. Blake Snell ( 5-4, 2.44 ERA) will go against Ryne Nelson (7-3, 3.34 ERA) at Chase Field. First pitch will be at 6:40 pm PDT.
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