The Los Angeles Dodgers have proven plenty capable to hit with the best of them, but they have also endured stretches where the offense sputtered. The latter has now held true in four consecutive losses, the most recent of which was in a combined no-hitter by the Chicago Cubs.
Zach Davies, who has pitched well against the Dodgers for most of his career, turned in six no-hit innings. L.A. still managed baserunners during that span by drawing five walks. However, Davies pitched to soft contact and collected four strikeouts.
“He just kept it out of the middle of the plate,” Mookie Betts said after the 4-0 loss. “We chased, so he threw some really good pitches to make us chase. He’s a good pitcher. He’s not in the big leagues on accident. He did a great job and you’ve got to tip your cap.”
“I don’t think they were very good as a whole. We mixed in a couple, but as a whole I don’t think we had very good at-bats. But there’s always two sides. You’ve definitely got to tip your cap and give credit to the Cubs for pitching a great game.”
The Dodgers have managed just seven runs during their losing streak, but Betts dismissed any significant concern over the offense’s struggles and inconsistency. “We play 162 games. I don’t know very many teams that are hot for 162 games,” he said.
“You just go with the waves. That’s pretty much it.”
Even with the various lulls throughout the year, the Dodgers’ 110 wRC+ is tied with the San Francisco Giants for best in the National League and second overall. Their 11.2% walk rate is best in baseball and 22.7% strikeout rate is the seventh-lowest.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts has said he’s hopeful the team getting back to full health — and remaining there — will allow for consistent at-bats that in turns lends itself to improved production.
“I do know that every night we’re trying to run deeper counts, trying to swing at strikes, take balls and get base runners,” Roberts said of the time being.
“And over the course of 162 (games), I think that our offense is shown to be elite. … Still believe we have good players, and if we have a plan in place of how we’re trying to attack a pitcher and that staff that night or series, the talent will show through.”
Betts recovered from ailment
Betts was back in the lineup Thursday after missing the final two games against the San Diego Padres due to a stomach issue. He reported to Petco Park late on Wednesday night, received IV fluids and was sent to L.A. ahead of the team in order to continue recovering.
“It was tough but it is what it is. Got to get through it,” Betts said. “[Thursday], I was fine, had some energy and whatnot. I was fine.”
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