Dodgers Swept in Pittsburgh by Pirates, Slide Hits New Low

The Los Angeles Dodgers’ late-summer slump just took another sharp turn. The team got swept by the last-place Pittsburgh Pirates in a 5-3 loss on Thursday.

This latest defeat drags out a troubling trend for one of Major League Baseball’s most talented rosters. The Dodgers have now lost five of their last six games.

They were once comfortably ahead in the National League West. That nine-game cushion has vanished, and now the division race feels way too close for comfort.

Offensive struggles, mounting injuries, and shaky performances from both veterans and rookies have left the Dodgers searching for answers. It’s all happening at the worst possible time of year.

Dodgers’ Mid-Season Slide Raises Alarms

Since June 1, the Dodgers are just 42-40 — the same as the rebuilding Pirates over that stretch. It’s a jarring contrast to their dominant start, and the timing couldn’t be worse with the postseason looming.

The collapse of their division lead has given challengers a shot, even though the San Diego Padres haven’t fully taken advantage of Los Angeles’ stumbles.

Pressure and Disconnect Inside the Clubhouse

Veteran infielder Miguel Rojas didn’t hold back after the loss. He said the team’s playing too tightly and has lost its spark.

Rojas pointed out a disconnect between the Dodgers’ offense and defense. That breakdown in rhythm has them looking more like a struggling wildcard hopeful than a perennial postseason powerhouse.

Offensive Struggles Continue to Mount

The Dodgers’ biggest issue right now is the lack of consistent run production. They couldn’t get a hit off Pirates rookie sensation Paul Skenes for the first six innings and managed just two hits total against him.

The drought got so bad that they went 19 innings without scoring. Mookie Betts finally broke through with a late home run, but it felt a little too late.

A Puzzling Pattern Against Weaker Teams

Manager Dave Roberts admitted the Dodgers’ repeated losses to sub-.500 clubs have stopped them from putting the division away early. Every team has off-nights, but Los Angeles’ inability to beat weaker opposition keeps the playoff race far more competitive than anyone expected.

Pitching Woes and Candid Assessments

Former Cy Young winner Blake Snell struggled again, giving up five runs to Pittsburgh. Afterward, he said bluntly that the Dodgers “are where we’re supposed to be” given how they’ve played.

That’s a reality check the team probably needed, but it stings all the same.

Injuries Add to the Challenge

Will Smith, one of the Dodgers’ most consistent bats, hurt his hand but will avoid the injured list — for now. He’s expected to miss at least the weekend series, which thins out an already inconsistent lineup.

Rookie Growing Pains Behind the Plate

Smith’s absence pushed rookie Dalton Rushing into a bigger role. Rushing did give a brief spark at the plate with a double off Skenes, but his defensive lapses have been hard to ignore.

Roberts rested Rushing late in Thursday’s game. That move backfired when backup catcher Ben Rortvedt struck out as the potential go-ahead run in the ninth inning.

Pitching Prospect Setbacks

The Dodgers’ farm system was supposed to help, but pitching phenom Roki Sasaki has struggled during his rehab stint in Triple-A. His poor performance makes it hard to see him making an impact down the stretch, which is a letdown for a team that badly needs pitching reinforcements.

Where Do the Dodgers Go From Here?

With the postseason drawing near, the Dodgers have to find a way to rekindle their early-season form. That means rediscovering offensive consistency and reducing mistakes.

They also need to find dependable arms in both the rotation and bullpen. And honestly, as Rojas hinted, restoring the joy and unity that fueled past playoff runs feels just as important.

• Rediscovering offensive firepower is a must.
• Veteran leadership needs to steady the clubhouse.
• Younger players must adapt quickly to high-pressure scenarios.
• The pitching staff must limit damage and avoid early deficits.

The Dodgers still have plenty of talent for a deep playoff run. But time’s running short to fix these glaring issues.

Thursday’s loss to the Pirates wasn’t just another defeat. It felt like a real wake-up call that the stretch run is here, and there’s no room left for complacency.

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Here is the source article for this story: Dodger Details: Swept in Pittsburgh, finding a new low as slide continues