Dodgers’ Offense Quiet In 13-0 Loss To Diamondbacks

The last week and a half hasn’t made much sense.

The Dodgers (92-45) are still the number one overall team in baseball, but they’ve lost 9 of the last 10 games. Yesterday’s Labor Day matchup against the Arizona Diamondbacks depicted a lot of things.

Arizona had a historic night because J.D. Martinez hit 4 home runs, Robbie Ray struckout 14 batters and the Wild Card spot is finally secured. They’re one of the hottest teams in baseball, and the Dodgers are struggling.

One positive note that was lost in the haze was Rich Hill’s performance. Besides a 2-run home run to J.D. Martinez, he had a very solid night going 6 innings with just 2 hits allowed. Justin Turner was also able to extend his hitting streak to 9 games!

Rich Hill is done despite throwing just 87 pitches. 6 IP, 2 H, 2 ER, 1 BB, 9 SO.

— AlaNNa Rizzo (@alannarizzo) September 5, 2017

It’s not like the Dodgers are running from any team, but Arizona hasn’t trailed for 88 consecutive innings. They truly want to take the Dodgers, but they’re investment in the upset might become a disadvantage.

It is important to remember that the Diamondbacks have not faced Clayton Kershaw, Yu Darvish, or Alex Wood as of yet. They have not faced Corey Seager in the starting lineup. They are currently facing a team that is mixed with September call-ups who are essentially trying out for a more permanent role on the team. The Dodgers are ahead of the Diamondbacks by 12.5 games. Now is not the time to worry.

The Dodgers’ performance over the last couple of weeks is undoubtedly frustrating, but all great teams go through struggles. Is it not better to get this out of their system now as opposed to in October? Here is what Dave Roberts had to say to concerned fans:

… But I can assure you we're going to win a game again. I know that. And the tide will turn."

— Bill Plunkett (@billplunkettocr) September 5, 2017

Grienke takes on Hyun-jin Ryu face-off tonight at Dodgers Stadium, and it’d be a great time to turn the tide for the Dodgers. The Diamondbacks are 9-8 against the Dodgers this season, but Grienke hasn’t done well against them. It’ll be interesting to see if the batting order can jump out on him early and provide a big boost in momentum.