PITTSBURGH — Dodgers Struggle Against Last-Place Pirates

The Dodgers faced the Pirates in Pittsburgh this week and, despite battling a last-place team, they were unable to secure a single victory across three games.

Even with the second-place Padres experiencing their own setback, the Dodgers failed to capitalize and did not extend their division lead. Veteran infielder Miguel Rojas expressed frustration, noting that the team lacked the joy typically associated with their performance.

“Pressure and frustration have been building since we started playing poorly a couple months ago,” Rojas said. “We know our potential, but we need to find motivation and joy in ourselves at the ballpark instead of just focusing on doing our jobs.”

The series ended on a low note for the Dodgers, closing with a 5-3 loss. Rojas termed the situation “frustrating” and “embarrassing,” urging a positive attitude moving forward.

In this final game, Pirates pitcher Paul Skenes, a Cy Young frontrunner, delivered an impressive six scoreless innings. On the other hand, Dodgers pitcher Blake Snell struggled, allowing five runs in five innings. While the Dodgers mounted a small offensive rally in the ninth, it ultimately fell short, ending with a strikeout by newly called-up catcher Ben Rortvedt.

With this defeat, the Dodgers (78-62) are seeing a narrowing lead in the NL West and are now dangerously close to risking a wild-card series rather than a first-round bye. With only 22 games left, their chances for a 100-win season seem slim, as they have struggled against teams with losing records.

Manager Dave Roberts acknowledged the team’s ongoing struggles, reflecting on their performance. Rojas pointed out the need for the team to loosen up and enjoy the game, focusing on camaraderie rather than the pressure of winning. “We need to find a way to put everything in perspective,” he said. Despite recent setbacks, the Dodgers remain in a position to improve and regain their competitive edge.