Dodgers News: Dave Roberts Calls Out ‘Uncharacteristic’ Effort for LA
So far in this Dodgers/Padres series, each game has shared extreme similarities, just with slightly differing scripts. The Dodgers were able to take advantage of a missed strike three call in the 8th on Friday night and ride that to a 7 run outburst over the final two innings of the game. On Saturday, the Padres rode the momentum of a Kiké Hernandez error to a 7 run 8th inning en route to a come from behind win.
“I think tonight they’re feeling pretty good about themselves, like we felt [on Friday Night],” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said following a 7-3 loss
The troubles for LA started with a shaky outing from Yency Almonte who allowed 3 runs on a hit and two walks while recording just one out. Caleb Ferguson followed with a rocky outing of his own, albeit not helped by a couple defensive miscues including one of his own.
“A team like that, any team, if you’re going to give them free bases, you’re going to give up bases by not making plays and things like that,” Roberts said. “It was really uncharacteristic. But, unfortunately, it was the end to a really good night through seven innings.”
The Padres seized the opportunity, taking advantage of LA’s mistakes, and now the momentum appears to be on their side as they try to stay afloat for a NL Wild Card spot.
With Sunday’s game ahead, the Dodgers have a chance to reset and bounce back. Roberts hands the ball to trade deadline acquisition, Lance Lynn, who is making his second start for LA. The Padres counter with former Dodger Rich Hill, who will be making his Padres debut. All eyes will be on this nationally broadcast showdown on ESPN’s Sunday Night Baseball.
Interestingly, the Dodgers have struggled on Sundays this season, having lost 10 straight games since May. The last time they did win a Sunday game was against these Padres back on May 14th. They have a chance to break the pattern, reclaim the series lead, and make a statement in this crucial game against the Padres.
Photo Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
Just a second Dave, before you throw players under the buss, it was your decision to pitch to Machado with first base open and runners on second and third with one out. That obviously would have set up for a possible double play or at the very least a force at every base. To make matters worse you played the infield in where you add 100 points to a hitters batting average and of course he hit what may have been a DP ball in the “infield in” gap and drove in two runs. That’s on you Bud and nobody else.