Dodgers offense goes ice cold in loss to Phillies

The pitching did their job but the offense took the day off, as the Dodgers dropped the series finale to the Phillies, 2-1. For the game, LA recorded only three hits, all of which were singles.

The offense had a few chances to put runs on the board, but they couldn’t capitalize. In the first inning, they had runners on first and second with two outs. Instead of getting some early runs, Corey Seager struck out to end the inning.

Bryce Harper came out of his two-game slump, hitting a home run in the bottom of the first to put the Phillies on the board. Harper proved to be the difference maker in the game for Philadelphia. He reached base with a walk in the fourth inning and ultimately came in to score. His two runs scored were all the Phillies needed on the afternoon.

AJ Pollock recorded a hit in the fourth inning and stole second base. For Pollock, he’s 6-for-6 in steals over his last 15 games. Chris Taylor had a chance to drive him in, but grounded out.

The Dodgers had a chance in the fifth inning. Trea Turner was at the plate with runners on second and third and one out. He grounded out, bringing in a run to score. However, a close play at first base looked like he should have been safe. Had he been ruled safe initially, maybe the call would have remained safe.

“Umpires are trained to listen for sound,” manager Dave Roberts said when asked about the play. “When the ball is touching the glove and not secured, it’s in their determination counting as possession. It doesn’t add up to me as you’re looking for sound and securing a baseball, but it still counts as an out. It is what it is.”

You make the call.

Albert Pujols stepped up to the plate with runners on first and third with two outs, needing only a hit to tie the game. He grounded out, ending the inning with the Dodgers still trailing a run.

After that inning, the Dodgers went hitless over their final four innings.

However, they still had a shot. In the ninth inning, Corey Seager and Cody Bellinger drew walks. Will Smith was then hit by a pitch, loading the bases for Billy McKinney. On a 1-1 pitch, he flew out to left field, ending the game.

Although the offense was quiet, the bullpen was fantastic yet again. Mitch White got the start and was fine for the Dodgers. He gave them four innings, which was needed considering how much the bullpen has been used during the series.

After White, the Dodgers’ bullpen threw a combined four scoreless innings. Alex Vesia tossed a scoreless inning and struck out two. Phil Bickford then tossed a scoreless inning, including getting out of a potential jam. He had the bases loaded with two outs, but managed to escape with a scoreless inning.

Justin Bruihl tossed a scoreless inning with a strikeout, continuing to impress during his first big-league week. Kenley Jansen then took the eighth inning and retired the side in order, including a Bryce Harper strikeout on a 96-mph pitch. For Jansen, that’s three consecutive perfect outings.

The Dodgers now have 21 losses this season by one run, the third most in baseball behind the DBacks and Marlins. Those two teams make sense, as they’re both currently under .500. The Dodgers being in there doesn’t make any sense.

“I wouldn’t guess we’d be like that,” Roberts said when asked about the record. “A loss is still a loss. I would suspect moving forward we’ll win more one-run games.”

Roberts was asked if he’s concerned over LA’s inability to win one-run games, but he said a loss is the same as any other loss.

“They’re still losses,” he said. “I don’t think that’s front of mind at all as they move forward.”

Thursday particulars

WP: Archie Bradley (7-1) 2 IP, 0 ER

LP: Mitch White (0-1) 4 IP, 2 ER, 4 SO

SV: Ian Kennedy (19) 1 IP, 0 ER, 2 BB

HR: Bryce Harper (21)

Box score

Up next

The Dodgers will travel to New York and take on the Mets for a three-game series. At the moment, LA trails the Giants by 4.5 games in the NL West.