Dodgers Lose Third Straight to Hapless Reds


[Box Score]

It would be like Groundhog Day, only each day is a little worse than the day before. The Dodgers squandered a great start from Ross Stripling, and managed to lose in embarrassing fashion to the Reds. The win marks the first time in over a year that Cincinnati has won five games in a row. It was Homer Bailey’s first victory in nine tries this season.

Cody Bellinger hit his fifth home run of the season to give Los Angeles a 1-0 lead.

It ended up being a really tough night for Bellinger who not only went 1 for 5, but bunted back to the pitcher for an out in the ninth inning in a 3-0 count. Instead of the talk being him coming out of his slump, his manager had qualms with him to the press after the game.

Back to Stripling – he couldn’t have been more excellent for 5 and 1/3 innings. He struck out a career-high seven, walked no one; and was lifted for J.T. Chargois after giving up a hit through the shift, one hitter after striking out Joey Votto on a vicious curveball.

Two hitters later, Scott Schebler homered to left field; and the Reds led 4-3. From there, the Dodgers wouldn’t lead again despite a few idle threats.

This one feels like it’s on Dave Roberts, and it gets overshadowed a bit because of Bellinger’s gaffe in the ninth. That’s unfortunate.

It sucks because during times like this, the fans want the players blood. They don’t want to be positive about anything – and they’re mostly not objective about anyone. It’s a trying time to be pulling for the Dodgers – a proud franchise that honored the 1988 team before the game.

It should have been a banner night that broke the losing streak. Instead, the Dodgers come back at home tomorrow; some 8 games back of Arizona, and try to avoid getting swept by the friggin’ loser Cincinnati Reds. Unbelievable.