The Los Angeles Dodgers’ 8-1 start to the season came to an end as they suffered a 3-2 loss to the Philadelphia Phillies on Friday. Manager Dave Roberts blamed sloppy baserunning for the team’s defeat, citing a crucial mistake by star Shohei Ohtani.
With two outs in the eighth inning and eight-time All-Star Mookie Betts at the plate, Ohtani attempted to steal second base but was caught by Phillies catcher J.T. Realmuto. Roberts stated that with Ohtani in that situation, “you’ve got to make sure you’re safe” and that Realmuto is one of the best throwers in the game.
The Dodgers managed to avoid being shut out for the first time since July 26, thanks in part to a two-run homer by Tommy Edman. However, they couldn’t overcome another baserunning blunder, as pinch-runner Chris Taylor was thrown out at second base and pitcher Jordan Romano escaped the jam on a strike-him-out, throw-him out double play.
Roberts also expressed frustration with his team’s performance, stating that “giving those guys three outs on the bases” is a key area of improvement. The loss marked Realmuto’s first two-game stretch with three thrown outs since 2022.
The Dodgers’ struggles come after a remarkable start to the season, which included a tiebreaking home run by Ohtani on his bobblehead night. They trail in seven games but have already secured two walk-off wins.
Source: https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/44539524/dodgers-perfect-start-ends-miscues-pile-vs-phillies