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While 2019 has been the year of the home run, for the 2019 Dodgers, it has been the year of their starting pitching, in particular their top three of Hyun-Jin Ryu, Clayton Kershaw and Walker Buehler.
Those three were so consistent that losing streaks did not get many opportunities to get going.
However, in the past two weeks, both Ryu and Kershaw have been unable to maintain their earlier consistency and that has now led to a three-game losing streak with the Dodgers 6-5 loss on Saturday night at Chase Field.
For the third straight game, the Dodgers took a 3-0 lead. But two Diamondback swings, home runs by Christian Walker and Wilmer Flores, made it a 3-3 tie after four innings.
After the Dodgers retook the lead in the top of the fifth inning, Nick Ahmed doubled with two strikes to drive in the tying and go-ahead runs.
Kershaw would not come out in the sixth inning for the first time this season ending his 23-game streak of pitching at least six innings.
Kenley Jansen would give up a solo home run to Eduardo Escobar in the eighth inning that proved to be the game-winning run.
The Dodgers tried to rally in the ninth as they loaded the bases with no outs. But Matt Beaty’s grounder was turned into a 3-6-1 double play and Russell Martin would ground out to end the game.
Late roster notes
A rare rehab assignment at Ogden, who play at and at home against Orem next week before their playoffs start over the next weekend.
Alex Verdugo will play with the @ogdenraptors for the week. After that, he’ll join the #Dodgers.
— Alanna Rizzo (@alannarizzo) August 31, 2019
Saturday particulars
Home runs: Justin Turner (26), Will Smith (13), Christian Walker (24), Wilmer Flores (7), Eduardo Escobar (32)
WP: Robbie Ray (12-7), 5 IP, 8 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 3 BB, 6 SO
LP: Clayton Kershaw (13-5), 5 IP, 5 H, 5 R, 5 ER, 2 BB, 6 SO
SV: Archie Bradley (10), 1 IP, 2 H, 1 ER, 1 BB
Up next
The Dodgers conclude their road trip with a Sunday afternoon game with Ross Stripling returning from the 10-day injured list to make the start. Dustin May will also pitch for the Dodgers. Arizona will send out left-handed pitcher Alex Young.
As a reminder, the Dodgers plan to activate the following players tomorrow from the 10-day injured list as part of their September roster expansion.
Dave Roberts said David Freese, Dylan Floro and Ross Stripling will be activated Sunday when rosters expand. Stripling said he thinks he’ll pitch in some capacity, either starting or out of bullpen. Roberts said Freese will start.
— Jorge Castillo (@jorgecastillo) August 31, 2019