Dodgers lose 4-3 to the Reds in Extra Innings

Dodgers 3 10 0
Reds        4 11 1

WP: J.J. Hoover (4-5)
LP: Brian Wilson (1-1)

The Dodgers have now lost three in a row. Dodgers fans, don’t go crazy over the small losing streak and put the blame on the Dodgers skipper, Don Mattingly. These streaks happen, even to the best and hottest teams in baseball. It was just simply another day that the Dodgers offense started hitting early and scoring three runs, but were shut down for the game. Sure, the Dodgers had their opportunities here and there to increase the lead, but their base running blunders squashed their opportunities. Same goes for the Reds. That’s the beauty of baseball, there are challenges and it is a whole new day. Meaning that the best team or the worst team in baseball all have a chance to win the game every day.

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The first run came in early for the Dodgers at the start of the game, right fielder Yasiel Puig scored on shortstop Hanley Ramirez’s single to left, making it, 1-0. First baseman Adrian Gonzalez moved to second on the base hit. The Reds countered in the bottom half of the first on two singles to left by outfielders Jay Bruce and Ryan Ludwick to score two runs to make the score, 2-1, Reds. In the second inning, Puig hit for 391 feet into the stands for a two run home run, putting the Dodgers ahead, 3-2. Dodgers reliever Paco Rodriguez gave up the tying run on double to left by former Dodger, second baseman Cesar Izturis to tie the game, 3-3. After the Dodgers failing to seize the chance in the top of the 10th inning, Dodgers set up man Brian Wilson, gave up a five pitch walk to Ludwick. Billy Hamilton then went out to pinch run for Ludwick and stole second without a throw. Hamilton, then scored from second on a single by third baseman Todd Frazier to win the game.

Credit: Rob Leifheit-USA TODAY Sports

Dodgers starting pitcher Zack Greinke held that score for six innings, while giving eight hits, one walk and giving up two runs. Greinke came out of the game in the sixth inning with 9 strike outs. Greinke had a one run lead that would have given him a chance for his 15th win of the season, but ended up getting a no decision. Greinke was facing Reds pitcher, Mat Latos, who was putting up ace-like numbers this year for the reds. Latos threw for seven innings, gave up nine hits, one walk and three earned runs. Latos only had three strike outs, which was unusual for Latos.

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Rodriguez, who replaced Greinke in the the 7th inning and gave up the tying run, looked fatigued lately because he hasn’t been able to pitch one whole inning without getting into a jam. Now, I know Paco is a very reliable reliever to depend on in the bullpen and can match up with lefties because he CAN get the outs. I just think that Paco is getting overworked and needs to catch his breath. So he can be a little bit more fresh for the postseason. It’s September. The time to bring in players that can help players catch their breath and gear up for the postseason. It would be NOT be good news if Rodriguez is too tired to pitch the postseason.Wouldn’t it? Wouldn’t it have been very wise to have brought up a third lefty reliever? Say, Onelki Garcia? Or at least give Chris Withrow, J.P. Howell (I know he pitched the last 2 days), Carlos Marmol and Peter Moylan more innings to give the key relievers more rest. Give Moylan a chance to compete for Brandon League’s spot on the Dodgers’ postseason roster because having League on the postseason roster is a very bad idea, considering he is having the worst season of his career.

Credit: Rob Leifheit-USA TODAY Sports

Wilson, who gave up the game winning single in today’s game, was shaking his arm a little bit after giving up a walk to Ludwick. Mattingly and a Dodgers trainer went out to the mound to check to see if Wilson was feeling any leftover effects from the Tommy John surgery. Wilson appeared to fine and was just wanted to shake off the walk off his mind. Wilson, has shown that he can still pitch in tough situations after missing a season and a half because of Tommy John surgery. Wilson will be very helpful and effective in the postseason.

Dodgers play their last game of the long road trip tomorrow at 5:05 pm PST on ESPN as Clayton Kershaw will be looking for his 15th win of the season and avoid getting sweep in Cincinnati. Kershaw has (14-8) record leads the majors in ERA, sporting a 1.89. On the mound for the Reds trying to get his 11th win of the season, Homer Bailey. Bailey threw a no hitter earlier in the season against the San Francisco Giants, sports an ERA of 3.42 and also has (10-10) record. Let’s go Dodgers, let’s end the road trip with a victory! Go Dodgers!