The Dodger’s Bullpen Loses A Close Lead

Dodgers 2 6 0
Marlins 6 10 1

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The Dodgers have a 2 game losing streak for the first time since June 20-21. It be crazy to think that the Dodgers would be unbeatable while they were on that crazy run during the 50 game span. They had that 10 game winning streak during the run. But what can you do? There are such things as a losing streak and errors. Marlins starting pitcher Jose Fernandez threw for 6 innings, keeping most of the lineup hitless except for Dodgers third baseman Juan Uribe, a bright spot in tonight’s game, went three for three against Fernandez. Uribe was 3 for 4 with a run scored and a run batted in (rbi) for the whole game. Uribe had half of the Dodgers’ six hits in the entire game.
Fernandez got on base with a single off of Dodgers starting pitcher Hyun Jin Ryu, then Marlins outfielder Christian Yelich doubled to deep left and Fernandez scored for the first run of the ball game in the 3rd inning, then Marlins second baseman Donovan Solano singled to right, scoring Yelich.

Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

The Dodgers had the bases loaded in the 5th inning down, 2-0. Uribe was on third, second baseman Mark Ellis was on second and Ryu was on first and the Dodgers were only able to come out of the inning with one run scored on a potential double play that left fielder Carl Crawford beat out. Then in the 6th innning, Fernandez hit Dodgers center fielder Andre Ethier in the kneecap, Ethier was having a little trouble getting to first, but eventually stayed in the game. With Ethier on first, Uribe doubles to deep left to score Ethier from first and the was last run of the game the Dodgers could score. In the 8th inning, Ryu was able to get one out and Dodgers manager Don Mattingly pulled him out with the score still 3-2. Chris Withrow comes in, which at the time I agreed that was a good move since Ronald Belisario and Paco Rodriguez had pitched the day before, Withrow was able to get another out, but gave a long home run to Marlins right fielder, Giancarlo Stanton, making it 4-2. Mattingly pulls Withrow out and brings in the lefty J.P. Howell. Howell, however couldn’t get the job done giving up 2 more runs, making it 6-2. At this point, Mattingly had to go to the bullpen again with a man on base and brought in Carlos Marmol. Marmol was able to get out of the jam.

The Dodgers had two runs, six hits and no errors in the loss to the Marlins, who countered with six runs, ten hits and one error. Ryu threw for 7 and 1/3 innings and took the loss, his record is now (12-4), which is still impressive for a rookie starting pitcher. The heart of the lineup, right fielder Yasiel Puig, first baseman Adrian Gonzalez, shortstop Hanley Ramirez and Ethier all combined for 1 for 15 with a walk, with Gonzalez getting the lone hit and walk. Ryu’s counterpart, Fernandez, left the game with a win, bringing his record to (9-5).

Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

I think its time for Mattingly to give Marmol more opportunities to prove that he really belongs in LA, like he did with Withrow. Withrow then took it the opportunity and got really hot, giving the Dodgers a lot scoreless innings until today. During that run, he got the nickname, Whiff-throw. Marmol has thrown about 8 scoreless innnings in his last 7 appearances, showing that he could return to his all star form from his early days in Chicago. Who knows?

Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports

It was a day where the heart of the lineup was shut down, but things like that happens to the best teams, like the Dodgers. Tomorrow, the Dodgers and Marlins play at 4 pm pst. Chris Capuano will try to get his fifth win of the season for the Dodgers with a record of (4-6) and a era of 4.66. Jacob Turner will be on the mound for the Marlins with a record of (3-4) and an era of 2.89. Hopefully, tomorrow will be zero runs given up day tomorrow and Dodgers offense rebound and scores some big time runs for Cappy. Once again, Go Blue!