Dodgers’ Inconsistency Costs Them in Disheartening Loss to Pirates

The Los Angeles Dodgers dropped another tough one Tuesday night, losing 9-7 to the Pittsburgh Pirates. It was another game that showed their ongoing fight for any kind of consistency.

Shohei Ohtani’s milestone home run and Andy Pages’ solo blast gave the Dodgers a surge of hope. But defensive mistakes, a shaky bullpen, and missed chances at the plate really hurt them.

Manager Dave Roberts sounded frustrated, pointing to his team’s lack of execution and urgency. He’s especially concerned about their struggles against teams with losing records — not a great sign with the playoffs coming up.

Dodgers’ Early Struggles Set the Tone

Clayton Kershaw had a rough start, giving up four runs in the first inning. The Pirates jumped ahead fast, thanks to some hard contact and timely hits.

Still, Kershaw found his footing and retired 13 of his final 15 batters. He kept the Dodgers within reach, at least for a while.

Kershaw’s Recovery Offers a Silver Lining

The opening frame was ugly, but Kershaw’s ability to adjust reminded everyone why he’s been the backbone of the rotation for so long. His steadiness gave Los Angeles a chance to claw back.

Ohtani’s Blast Sparks the Rally

Shohei Ohtani kept his incredible season rolling, crushing a 120-mph home run — his 46th this year and 100th as a Dodger. Andy Pages added a solo shot, and suddenly the Dodgers were back in it, tying the game.

For a moment, it felt like momentum had swung their way.

Missed Opportunities at the Plate

But the Dodgers’ offense couldn’t keep it going when it mattered most. They loaded the bases with no outs and only managed to push across one run.

That missed opportunity stung, especially as the Pirates’ bullpen shut things down late.

Bulpen Falters in the Sixth Inning

Right after Los Angeles tied it up, relievers Edgardo Henriquez and Blake Treinen combined to give up three runs in the sixth. Pittsburgh grabbed the lead for good in that inning.

Defensive mistakes and a wild pitch from Anthony Banda made things worse, letting another run cross the plate.

Defensive Lapses Add to Woes

Dodger misplays in the field kept innings alive for the Pirates. Those mistakes shifted momentum right back to Pittsburgh.

In a playoff race this tight, little things like that can be the difference between winning and sliding further down the standings.

Recurring Problems Against Losing Teams

This loss wasn’t an isolated thing. The Dodgers have now lost 10 of their last 14 games against teams with losing records.

That kind of inconsistency is putting their division title hopes and playoff seeding at risk. Dave Roberts keeps saying the team needs to play with more urgency — and soon — if they want any chance of a deep postseason run.

Roberts Calls for a Shift in Mindset

Roberts knows his roster has talent. But he’s calling for the Dodgers to play with more purpose, no matter who’s in the other dugout.

He pointed to the lack of sustained momentum as a big reason for their ongoing struggles.

Help on the Horizon

There’s at least a little reason for optimism. Hyeseong Kim and Michael Kopech are close to returning from injury.

Max Muncy and Tommy Edman have started rehab assignments, which could shake up the roster soon.

Potential Roster Battles Ahead

With these guys coming back, there could be real battles at second base, third base, and in the outfield. The bullpen spots are up for grabs too.

Roberts hopes this new wave of healthy players will light a fire under the team and bring some much-needed urgency to the clubhouse.

Looking Ahead

Right now, the Dodgers are still an immensely talented squad, but man, they’re inconsistent. The postseason’s creeping up, and suddenly every inning and every at-bat feels like it matters way too much.

Maybe the return of some key players will light a fire under them. But if they don’t clean up their execution and sharpen their focus, October could get ugly fast.

• Clayton Kershaw shook off a rough first inning and bounced back.
• Shohei Ohtani just smashed his 100th home run as a Dodger.
• The bullpen’s had its fair share of struggles, and defensive mistakes keep hurting them.
• They’ve dropped 10 of their last 14 games against teams with losing records. Not ideal.
• A few key reinforcements should be back from injury soon, thankfully.

Over the next few weeks, can the Dodgers actually beat the teams they’re supposed to beat? If they keep tripping over the basics, it’s hard to see them rolling into October as the powerhouse everyone expects.

 
Here is the source article for this story: Inconsistency plagues Dodgers again in loss to Pirates