Dodgers lose third consecutive game and second straight series

The Dodgers took the lead two separate times on Tuesday night, but the bullpen surrendered the lead yet again, as the Reds defeated the Dodgers 6-5. With the loss, LA has now lost seven of their last nine games.

Due to the Giants losing, the Dodgers remain tied for first place in the NL West.

Walker Buehler allowed a home run to Jesse Winker on the very first pitch of the game. He settled down nicely after that, as he had eight strikeouts through the first four innings. Buehler finished the game with a season-high 10 strikeouts, but got roughed up a bit. He allowed five runs on seven hits in 6 ¹⁄₃ innings of action.

The Dodgers took the lead in the fourth inning thanks to Will Smith. Justin Turner and Max Muncy (shocker) reached with a walk to begin the inning. Smith connected on his third home run of the season, sending it 425 feet to give the Dodgers a 3-1 lead.

Their lead was short-lived, as the Reds answered right back, scoring two runs in the top of the fifth to tie the game at three.

A two-run sixth inning put the Dodgers back on top in the sixth inning, but they could have desperately used a couple more when given the opportunity. With runners on second and third, Matt Beaty singled in two runs, giving LA the 5-3 edge. After Mookie Betts and Corey Seager walked, the bases were loaded with two outs for Justin Turner.

A base hit from Turner would have likely scored at least two runs, opening up the door more for the Dodgers. Instead, he swung and the first pitch and grounded out, stranding the three runners on base. Turns out, those runs that were left on base proved to be crucial.

Cincinnati began the seventh with back-to-back hits, immediately cutting LA’s lead down to one run. The Dodgers were one strike away from escaping the inning up a run, but Scott Alexander allowed Joey Votto to double in the tying and go-ahead run, putting the Reds ahead 6-5.

The Dodgers didn’t record a hit in the final three innings. Before you leave, check out this incredible stat. The offense just can’t get anything going.

Tuesday particulars

WP: Ryan Hendrix (1-0) ¹⁄₃ IP, 1 BB

LP: Scott Alexander (0-2) 1 IP, 1 ER

SV: Sean Doolittle (1) 1 IP, 0 ER

HR: Will Smith (3) Jesse Winker (6)

Box score