Dodgers lose heart-breaker on balk

The Dodgers hit three late solo home runs on Saturday night. Sadly, it was to no avail. A bases-loaded balk would be the deciding factor, as the Mariners beat LA 5-4.

This marks yet another game the Dodgers bullpen wasn’t able to keep it together.

With one out and the bases loaded, Kyle Seager stepped up to the plate. On an 0-1 pitch, Floro stepped out, but was issued a balk, thus ending the game.

LA would put a run on the board in the first after a Cody Bellinger RBI single.

Rich Hill would go six innings, and allow zero runs on one hit for the final five. The problem, all the damage came in the first inning.

After a one-run performance on Friday night, the Mariners jumped out to a quick 4-1 lead thanks to a Kyle Seager three-run home run.

For Hill, it was his first time allowing four runs in a game since July 10.

The Dodgers had an opportunity in the second inning to creep back into the game. With the bases loaded and two outs, Manny Machado scorched one to left field. Cameron Maybin made a diving stop, saving multiple runs.

Through the first four innings, the Dodgers had eight base-runners. They couldn’t capitalize, going 1-for-5 with runners in scoring position.

As mentioned, Rich Hill settled down over the course of the next five innings, allowing only one hit. He struck out eight, though he walked five.

The Dodgers made an eighth-inning rally. Justin Turner hit a solo home run in the eighth inning to extend his hitting streak to 12 games. Cody Bellinger then almost hit one onto the train tracks behind Safeco Field, cutting the deficit to only one run.

In the ninth, the Dodgers had the challenge of facing Edwin Diaz, arguably the best closer in the game. Looking for career save No. 100, Diaz allowed a no-doubter to Max Muncy, who tied the game with his 28th home run of the year.

The Dodgers had a chance in the 10th after a lead-off walk from Turner. He would steal second, and be in scoring position. Brian Dozier flew out, sending it to the bottom-half of the inning.

Mitch Haniger led the inning off with a single. Robinson Cano would single, and then Nelson Cruz followed with a walk.

With the bases loaded and one out, Dylan Floro was issued a balk, thus ending the game and giving the Mariners the win.

When leading after eight innings, the Mariners are now 61-0.

It seemed as if the Dodgers bullpen couldn’t find any more ways to blow a game. Baseball brings us something new every night.

The Dodgers failed to capitalize on a D-Backs loss, as they’ll remain two games out of first place.

Up Next:

The Dodgers will look to get the series win as they send Clayton Kershaw (5-5, 2.47 ERA) to the bump to face off versus Roenis Elias (2-0, 2.88 ERA)

Saturday Particulars:

Home Runs: Kyle Seager (20) Justin Turner (8) Cody Bellinger (20) Max Muncy (28)

WP: Adam Warren (2-1) 1 IP, 1 BB

LP: Caleb Ferguson (3-2) 1 IP, 1 ER, 3 H