Dodgers drop series finale to Marlins

The bullpen gave the Dodgers nine strong innings, but the offense couldn’t provide more than two runs as LA dropped the series finale to the Marlins, 3-2.

For the game, LA actually out-hit Miami 10-6, but they failed to capitalize on opportunities when given them. They stranded eight runners on base and were 3-for-8 with runners in scoring position.

The true difference maker in the game was an error from Sheldon Neuse in the fifth inning. Marlins pitcher Pablo Lopez reached to leadoff the inning thanks to an error from Neuse, who took Chris Taylor’s spot in the lineup right before first pitch. Instead of one out and nobody one, Miami had a baserunner. With two on and two out, Adam Duvall crushed (and I mean crushed) a homer to left field, putting Miami up 3-2. Duvall should have never been up, as the inning should have been over the batter prior.

In total, Jimmy Nelson, Alex Vesia, Dennis Santana, Edwin Uceta, Joe Kelly and Mitch White provided the Dodgers will a solid bullpen outing. They struck out 12 and allowed only six hits, plus the three runs were unearned.

Unfortunately, the offense couldn’t take advantage of their solid performance. They scored two runs in the second inning, but those were the only runs for the day. Mookie Betts led off the fifth with a double, but was thrown out at home trying to score on a hit from Matt Beaty. In the eighth, back-to-back hits put runners on the corners with two outs. Luke Raley stepped up, but struck out to end the rally.

Then in the ninth, Austin Barnes singled with one out, but the Dodgers couldn’t deliver the big hit to either tie the game or win the game.

LA still ends up winning the series and have won four of their last five games. They are now two games out of first place.

Sunday particulars

WP: Pablo Lopez (1-3) 5 IP, 2 ER, 7 H

LP: Edwin Uceta (0-2) 3 IP, 3 R, 0 ER, 4 SO

SV: Yimi Garcia (7) 1 IP, 0 ER

HR: Adam Duvall (8)

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