Roberts and the Dodgers this time took a narrower 4-2 loss Sunday at Chavez Ravine. The two-time World Series skipper identified the issue, per Jack Harris of the Los Angeles Times.
“In manager Dave Roberts’ view, there has been a lack of quality ‘team at-bats,’ with the manager bemoaning his team’s tendency to chase pitches out of the zone in key situations,” Harris wrote postgame.
The Dodgers reporter adds the next frustrating part: Los Angeles hasn’t done much once the players swing at the right pitches.
Looking at Dodgers’ hitting woes under Dave Roberts in Cubs series
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The Dodgers managed just one run facing the Cubs’ bullpen. That’s one between Saturday and Sunday’s loss.
The former game was the most lopsided and historic. Los Angeles hit a feat not seen since 1898 when the franchise played in Brooklyn. The Dodgers suffered their worst home loss ever. Andy Pages denying a grand slam became the lone highlight — as the outfielder robbed Michael Busch of the potential four runs.
Sunday watched Colin Rea of the Cubs have his way with the Dodgers’ lineup. Rea struck out Shohei Ohtani with a 95 mph four-seam fastball to set the tone for Chicago. Mookie Betts then swung and missed for his third strikeout — with Rea throwing another four-seamer.
Teoscar Hernandez emerged as the third to strikeout facing Rea’s heat. Once again off a four-seam pitch. Michael Conforto became the lone Dodger to smack a hit off Rea. He ripped a single to center in the second inning. Will Smith followed with a single that lured Conforto to third. Max Muncy, however, struck out. Kike Hernandez managed to hit an RBI against Rea — for the lone run before the Cubs called the relief pitchers.
Los Angeles hit three runs or more during the 8-0 start. But the Dodgers are a stunning 0-4 when they’re bottled to two runs or less. L.A. will attempt to reclaim its hitting swagger back when the Dodgers host the Colorado Rockies Monday.
