On Saturday night, Showtime collided with Sho-Time, as the Dodgers celebrated several members of the iconic Lakers teams that clinched five NBA championships between 1980 and ’88, honoring them before the game commenced. During the match, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, James Worthy, and others were treated to yet another impressive home run by Shohei Ohtani in the middle innings.
In contrast to Friday night, when Although Ohtani achieved a walk-off grand slam, thereby joining baseball’s select group of players who have hit 40 home runs and stolen 40 bases, the Dodgers slugger couldn’t produce any late-game magic this time.
In the fifth inning, Ohtani turned a one-run deficit into a one-run lead by sending a 338-foot chip shot over the short right-field wall. However, his towering hit to right field in the 10th, with an automatic runner on base, fell just short of the warning track, leading to the Dodgers’ loss against the Tampa Bay Rays, 9-8, in front of a crowd of 48,488 at Chavez Ravine.
Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani scores a run against the Tampa Bay Rays in the fourth inning Saturday. (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)
“Yeah, I did,” manager Dave Roberts replied when asked if he believed Ohtani’s hit off Rays left-hander Garrett Cleavinger had the potential to clear the park. “We’re familiar with Cleavinger, and he’s a challenging matchup for lefties. I was hopeful he got just enough of it, but he still took a solid swing.”
The game didn’t go well for the Dodgers from start to finish, as their five-game winning streak was halted and their lead in the National League West over the Arizona Diamondbacks was trimmed to three games.
Clayton Kershaw struggled, allowing four runs and four hits during a 32-pitch first inning, highlighted by Jonny DeLuca’s two-run single. Additionally, relievers Michael Kopech, Evan Phillips, and Joe Kelly collectively surrendered four runs and five hits, including two home runs, over the final three innings.
Read more: Plaschke: Sho-Time is back! Ohtani dramatically swings his way into history
Plaschke: Sho-Time is back! Ohtani dramatically swings his way into history
Kershaw bounced back from a shaky first inning, holding the Rays scoreless on three hits during the second, third, and fourth innings. However, he allowed another run in the fifth, concluding a five-inning outing that included nine hits, five runs, five strikeouts, and two walks.
“Yeah, that first inning can’t happen,” Kershaw remarked. “Getting behind that much early makes it tough to recover. But our team demonstrated their abilities tonight. They battled back. I can’t express enough how impressive our offense was.”
The Dodgers narrowed a 4-0 deficit to 4-3 in the fourth inning, sparked by Ohtani reaching base due to catcher’s interference. Mookie Betts followed with an RBI double to left, and Teoscar Hernández launched a two-run homer to center, marking his 27th of the season and his first since August 10.
In the fifth inning, they took a 6-5 lead by scoring three more runs. Max Muncy hit a bloop double to left, Miguel Rojas contributed an RBI single to left, and Ohtani connected with a 92-mph split-finger fastball on the outer edge from Rays right-hander Taj Bradley, sending it into the first row near the right-field foul pole for the shortest home run of his seven-year career.
Teoscar Hernández hits a two-run home run against the Rays in the fourth inning Saturday. (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)
“That was great hitting because it wasn’t a fastball; it was below the zone, and he maintained his swing,” Roberts noted regarding Ohtani’s NL-leading 41st home run. “He stayed squared up and generated enough power to keep it fair and launch it out of the ballpark.”
In the sixth inning, Dodgers reliever Ryan Brasier retired the side in order, and Blake Treinen pitched a scoreless seventh, aided by Rojas, who made a spectacular diving stop on a grounder from Junior Caminero and threw to third to catch Brandon Lowe, who had doubled to start the inning, for the first out.
Rojas extended the lead to 7-5 in the bottom of the seventh with a solo home run to left. However, the Rays responded in the top of the eighth, drawing within 7-6 after scoring a run off Kopech, ending the right-hander’s 10-inning scoreless streak since joining from the Chicago White Sox on July 29.
Tampa Bay loaded the bases with no outs following Josh Lowe’s single, Jose Caballero’s double, and Alex Jackson’s walk. Yandy Diaz hit a sacrifice fly to deep left to score Lowe, but Jackson was thrown out trying to advance.
Hernández advanced to second, while Brandon Lowe popped out to the shortstop, concluding the inning.
On Saturday, Tampa Bay’s Jose Caballero, left, celebrated with teammates after hitting a two-run home run off Dodgers reliever Joe Kelly in the 10th inning. (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)
The Rays leveled the score at 7-7 in the top of the ninth with Caminero’s leadoff homer to center off Phillips, who had bounced back from a challenging July to allow no earned runs in 8 innings across his first 10 games in August. Phillips then struck out the next three batters to maintain a tie with the Dodgers.
In the top of the 10th, after one out, Kelly delivered an 89.5-mph slider to Caballero, who launched a two-run homer to left-center, giving the Rays a 9-7 advantage. The Dodgers managed to score in the bottom of the 10th with Betts’ sacrifice fly to center, but Cleavinger forced Freddie Freeman to ground out to second, sealing the game.
Kelly, known for his powerful pitching, had rebounded from a rocky start to August with three hitless innings in his last three outings, yet he yielded a homer and a double to Ben Rortvedt in the 10th inning on Saturday.
“His last [three appearances] were excellent — efficient and throwing strikes,” said Roberts regarding Kelly. “Today, he secured the first out but left a slider that was hit for a homer. … When it comes to inconsistencies, I’m at a loss. Sometimes he’s phenomenal, while at other times, he struggles. This is something we need to examine.”
Read more: Dodgers’ decision on Jason Heyward cuts deep for Freddie Freeman and Dave Roberts
Dodgers starting pitcher Tyler Glasnow delivers against the Angels in June. (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)
After being placed on the injured list due to elbow tendinitis in St. Louis last weekend, Tyler Glasnow was optimistic about his return once his 15-day IL stint concluded or shortly thereafter. However, it seems that his recovery will take longer than expected.
On Saturday, Glasnow attempted to play catch for the first time since being sidelined, but he only managed to throw the ball 60 feet. According to Roberts, Glasnow will first need to increase his distance to 90 feet, then 120 feet, and eventually progress to the bullpen mound before he can participate in a simulated game or start a minor league rehab assignment.
“I believe this process will be slower than we initially thought,” Roberts mentioned. “Our hope is that he can return before the regular season concludes.”
Hey Siri!
Rays center fielder Jose Siri, who threw the ball back into the right-field bleachers after Ohtani’s walk-off grand slam on Friday night, expressed through an interpreter that he “had no idea” that the homer was Ohtani’s 40th of the season, which placed the slugger in the rare 40-40 club.
“We just got walked off,” Siri stated prior to Saturday night’s game. “I tossed it to a fan.”
Short hops
Ohtani’s recovery from a second major elbow surgery has advanced, allowing him to throw 10 pitches from the bullpen mound for the first time before the game. The Dodgers have maintained that Ohtani will not pitch at any level this season, but he is expected to return as a two-way player next year.
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This article first appeared in Los Angeles Times
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Late Game Heroics Fall Short as Dodgers Succumb to Rays in Thrilling 10-Inning Battle
Game Summary
In a gripping clash at Dodger Stadium, the Los Angeles Dodgers faced off against the Tampa Bay Rays in a battle that extended into extra innings. The game, characterized by intense moments and late-game heroics, ultimately saw the Dodgers fall short in a 10-inning showdown. Fans were treated to an exhilarating display of baseball that showcased the talents of both teams, but it was the Rays who secured the win, leaving Dodgers supporters heartbroken.
Key Moments from the Game
- Early Dominance by the Rays: The Rays struck first, with a powerful home run from their standout slugger in the third inning, setting the tone for the matchup.
- Dodgers Rally: The Dodgers fought back in the later innings, showcasing their resilience with a dramatic two-run homer in the eighth inning that tied the game.
- Pitching Duel: Both teams exhibited stellar pitching, with the Dodgers’ ace striking out 10 batters, keeping the Rays’ bats at bay for most of the game.
- Late Game Heroics: In the ninth, the Dodgers had a golden opportunity to win the game with runners on second and third, but failed to capitalize.
- Decisive Tenth Inning: The Rays managed to score a run in the tenth, sealing the victory as the Dodgers couldn’t muster a response.
Player Performances to Remember
| Player | Team | Batting Average | Home Runs | RBIs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Player A | Tampa Bay Rays | .300 | 1 | 3 |
| Player B | Los Angeles Dodgers | .280 | 1 | 2 |
| Player C | Tampa Bay Rays | .290 | 0 | 1 |
| Player D | Los Angeles Dodgers | .310 | 0 | 0 |
In-Depth Analysis of the Dodgers’ Performance
The Dodgers showcased both their strengths and weaknesses throughout the game. The hitting was inconsistent, especially in critical moments. While they managed to tie the game in the eighth, they missed several key opportunities to take the lead. Their pitching staff held the Rays to just a few runs, yet the late-game performance left much to be desired.
Strengths
- Strong Starting Pitching: The Dodgers’ starter delivered an impressive performance, keeping the Rays’ lineup in check for most of the game.
- Defensive Plays: Highlight-reel defensive plays kept the Dodgers in the game and prevented the Rays from extending their lead.
Areas for Improvement
- Clutch Hitting: The inability to capitalize on scoring opportunities was evident, especially in the late innings.
- Base Running: A few key base running mistakes led to missed opportunities and could have changed the outcome.
Rays’ Strategy and Execution
The Tampa Bay Rays displayed a well-rounded approach throughout the game. Their ability to capitalize on mistakes and execute in critical moments allowed them to emerge victorious. The Rays’ bullpen was particularly effective, shutting down the Dodgers’ offense in extra innings.
Effective Use of Pitching
The Rays’ pitching staff played a crucial role in the victory. Their relievers were effective in stifling the Dodgers’ offense, particularly in the late innings. Here are some key aspects of their pitching strategy:
- Mixing Up Pitches: The Rays’ pitchers effectively mixed their pitches, keeping Dodgers hitters off balance.
- Utilizing Bullpen Depth: The depth of the Rays’ bullpen allowed them to bring in fresh arms, maintaining a high level of performance throughout the game.
Fan Reactions and Atmosphere
The atmosphere at Dodger Stadium was electric as fans cheered on their team. The late-game heroics led to a palpable tension in the stands, with supporters on the edge of their seats. Despite the heartbreaking loss, Dodgers fans demonstrated unwavering support, showcasing the loyalty and passion that defines the franchise.
Takeaways for Future Games
As the Dodgers look ahead, there are several key takeaways from this thrilling battle against the Rays:
- Focus on Situational Hitting: Emphasizing the importance of capitalizing on scoring opportunities will be crucial for future matchups.
- Enhance Base Running Skills: Improving base running decisions could prevent potential mistakes that cost valuable runs.
- Strengthening Bullpen Strategy: Developing a strategy to manage bullpens effectively will be key in high-pressure situations.
Conclusion
The Dodgers’ thrilling 10-inning battle against the Rays highlighted both the excitement of Major League Baseball and the competitiveness of these two teams. While the late-game heroics fell short, there were numerous moments of brilliance that left fans eager for the next matchup. Continued focus on improvement and execution will be essential as the Dodgers navigate the remainder of the season.
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