Dodgers’ inconsistent play persists vs. Pirates, manager demands urgency

The Los Angeles Dodgers, once cruising at the top of the National League standings, suddenly face some awkward questions. After getting swept by the struggling Pittsburgh Pirates, doubts are creeping in.

In back-to-back losses, the Dodgers wasted golden scoring chances and just couldn’t back up some solid pitching. With the postseason creeping closer, this recent slide is rattling not just fans but folks inside the clubhouse, too.

Manager Dave Roberts isn’t sugarcoating things. He’s made it clear—now’s not the time to relax.

Dodgers Swept by Last-Place Pirates

Losing twice to a last-place team really shines a spotlight on a club’s flaws. The Dodgers’ midweek set against the Pirates did just that.

Wednesday’s 3-0 shutout stung. Thursday’s 5-3 defeat didn’t feel much better for a team that’s supposed to be chasing a title.

The Pirates, nowhere near the playoff hunt, managed to pick apart a Los Angeles lineup that’s looked shaky lately. The Dodgers still have a slim two-game lead in the NL West, but the way they’re playing is raising eyebrows inside and outside the organization.

And honestly, the timing couldn’t be much worse.

Missed Opportunities, Missed Momentum

This series really felt like a case of missed chances. On Wednesday, the Dodgers loaded the bases with nobody out in the second inning and still came away with nothing.

That kind of thing happened more than once, and you could see the frustration building in the dugout. Manager Dave Roberts didn’t hold back, calling out his team’s lack of urgency at the plate.

He pointed out a pretty stark drop in offensive numbers. The Dodgers went from a league-best 121 wRC+ through June to a below-average 99 since July. That’s not a small dip—it’s a trend you just can’t ignore.

Ohtani Shines Despite Illness

One bright spot? Shohei Ohtani. He was supposed to start on the mound Wednesday but got scratched because he wasn’t feeling well.

Even so, Ohtani still suited up as a hitter, picked up multiple hits, and flashed that trademark power and speed. His spark helped, but it wasn’t enough to snap the team out of its funk.

It’s wild how much the Dodgers lean on their stars these days. Ohtani’s brilliance is a gift, but it also highlights how much the lineup depends on its big names.

Rookie Sheehan Steps Up on the Mound

With Ohtani unable to pitch, rookie Emmet Sheehan got the nod. He racked up 21 swing-and-misses—a pretty impressive stat for a first-year arm.

But one mistake pitch to Bryan Reynolds turned into a home run and changed the game. Sheehan’s raw talent is obvious, but this one was a tough lesson.

Injuries and the Road Ahead

Injuries keep making things harder. Catcher Will Smith left Wednesday’s game after taking a foul tip, but scans came back negative, and he’s day-to-day for now.

The team’s also waiting on some key players to get healthy again:

• Tommy Edman – Almost ready to return, and he should give the lineup some extra flexibility.
• Max Muncy – His power bat can’t come back soon enough for the middle of the order.

Roberts hopes getting these guys back will steady the offense and maybe give the team a little shot of confidence for the stretch run.

NL West Race Remains Tight

Even with this slump, the Dodgers still hold first place in the NL West, thanks in part to the Padres stumbling too. But that lead isn’t exactly safe.

Every game feels huge now. The margin for error? It’s just about gone. The Dodgers can’t count on their rivals to keep slipping if they want to hang onto the division crown.

Urgency the Key to October Success

Roberts made his post-series message loud and clear. There’s no magic postseason switch to flip.

Momentum has to start now. The Dodgers need to find that consistent, disciplined approach that turned them into an offensive force earlier this year.

If Los Angeles wants to go deep in October, they’ve got to shake off the lethargy. They need to sharpen their situational hitting and actually take advantage of the chances that come their way.

The sweep by the Pirates could be a wake-up call. Maybe it sparks a resurgence, or maybe it hints at October disappointment—hard to say at this point.

—

Would you like me to also provide a **SEO-optimized list of keywords and meta description** for this blog so it ranks better on search engines? That would maximize its reach.
 
Here is the source article for this story: Dodgers’ streak of underwhelming showings continues vs. Pirates: ‘I expect us to play with urgency from here on out’