Dodgers Pitching Blows Up as Cubs Walk-Off LA in Wild 21-Run Game
The Chicago Cubs walked off the Los Angeles Dodgers on Tuesday in a wild, back-and-forth 11-10 win at Wrigley Field.
The game went into extra innings when the Cubs hit a game-tying, two-out solo home run against Dodgers closer Tanner Scott in the bottom of the ninth inning.
The Cubs then walked it off on the first pitch of the 10th inning on an RBI single against right-hander Noah Davis.
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The game began with a bang as Tommy Edman hit a three-run home run in the top of the first inning off Cubs starter Shota Imanaga.
However, Dustin May gave those runs right back and then some as the Cubs batted around in the bottom of the first inning, scoring five runs against the right-hander who entered the game with a 1.06 ERA.
Andy Pages cut the lead to one when he crushed a solo home run to left field in the second inning. Then, each pitcher settled down until the bottom of the fifth inning, when May gave up a two-run home run to Pete Crow-Armstrong.
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Will Smith’s solo home run in the sixth inning brought the Dodgers back within two. Then, the L.A. offense came alive in the seventh inning, bringing all nine men to the plate and scoring five runs to take a 10-7 lead.
The bullpen couldn’t hold onto the lead, though, as Alex Vesia gave up a two-run home run to Kyle Tucker in the eighth inning.
Then, Scott allowed the home run in the ninth, and the Dodgers offense went 1-2-3 in the 10th, stranding the ghost runner on the bases.
The Cubs wasted no time to score in the 10th, moving the Dodgers to 16-8 on the season.
When Do the Dodgers Play Next?
The Dodgers and Cubs play the second and final game of the series on Wednesday, April 23. First pitch is 4:00 p.m. PT.
Photo Credit: Matt Marton-Imagn Images
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Why the F*CK is Noah Davis even on the team, let alone pitching in extra innings?
You can blame Roberts and the bullpen for this one!
That was exactly my thoughts and probably a lot of other fans, too. I know a lot of Dodger fans seem to praise and protect Roberts at all costs, but I place this loss on him, not just Muncy and K Hernadez who couldn’t hit the broadside of a barn with a bass fiddle right now. It seems incredulous that Roberts allows batters to swing for the fences every extra inning game with a bit of small-ball could get that runner in to score from second. Let’s face it, this team is under-performing in many categories and I don’t care if “it’s early in the season”. This is worrisome and they need to snap out of this funk. or WS Champs #2 is just a lost hope and dream.
So, I understand and get it. I’ve been very vocal about Roberts for years because of his managerial failures, especially in the playoffs. That said, he managed his butt off in the 2024 playoffs on the way to the WS championship. That earns him some leeway IMO. Take a breath, as bad as it’s been – and it’s been about as bad as they could be so far pitching AND hitting – they’re 16 – 8. Translated over a full season and that’s 108 wins. Yes, they started 8 – 0, which means they’ve played .500, but again, it’s been as bad as we’ve seen them play in quite some time. If we’re having this conversation in July or August, then that’s a different thing. Let’s give them some time to start hitting and work through some of the injuries and see where they are. Don’t hyperventilate in April.
Agreed on what you said. But the question remains as to why the team never tries to advance the ghost runner to third with a little ball bunt or a shorter “make contact” swing so he could score the go-ahead with a sac fly. Of course, that strategy would rely on who the 1-2-3 batters are, but to have those 1-2-3 batters “swinging wildly for the fences” has never worked too well for the team. That’s on Roberts. By the way, I hate to say this (and it goes without saying) the Cubs outplayed the Dodgers in every aspect the past two games; hitting, fielding, pitching, stolen bases, hustle, and, yes…..coaching. Hate that damn basket at Wrigley, too!
Agreed. The Cubs lost the first 3 to us, but have won the last 4 to tkae the season series. Ugh.
Maybe they’re trying to do situational hitting, but really just need to work on getting the ghost runner home from second. They don’t seem to do that nearly enough. Of course, tied for the lead with the Yankees with 41 HRs kind of means they might be reluctant to try the usually successful small ball. It is frustrating, especially when they’re playing overall, hitting, fielding, and pitching, far below their skill set on paper. It says something when Will Smith is the only one batting over .300. That’s hard to imagine. Here’s hoping they start to wake up.
Injury prone pitching staff. Same story every year. When was the last young pitcher this organization produced. Terrible.
Everyone makes valid points. As always, my frustration stems from the Dodgers lack of knowledge concerning pitchers. They apparently do not understand that whatever their overall plan is with their pitching staff (young and old) is, it’s not working! Is Red Adams available? Stop “babying” minor league pitchers and let them build up their stamina to prepared for the major leagues. Even if you try to protect them, the Dodgers will only have them until they reach free agency anyway. In response to Joed, I believe it was Van Lingle Mungo …………..
Agreed. But hey, Buehler is looking really good in Boston and LAD refused to submit a QO, which he stated he would have signed. Their overall decision-making process and handling of their pitching staff is shockingly disappointing. Sigh…