What most considered a 2019 World Series preview, swung in favor of the New York Yankees as they slugged nine home runs en route to taking two of three games from the Los Angeles Dodgers. The teams went into their Players Weekend series as owners of the best record in their respective league.
In may ways the Dodgers and Yankees mirror one another. Behind a blend of star power, youth and depth, they boast lineups that rank in the top 10 in may offensive categories. However, the Dodgers’ discipline and timely hitting was largely absent through their series with the Yankees.
In some regard it was an extension from the previous three games against the Toronto Blue Jays. After scoring 16 runs in the series opener, the Dodgers managed a combined five runs the following two nights — albeit both wins.
Ahead of the Dodgers suffering a 4-3 loss to the San Diego Padres, manager Dave Roberts said a lack of quality at-bats from his club resonated most from their matchup with the Yankees, as seen on SportsNet LA:
“We still got some work to do. We saw a good club over there that outplayed us. I just think for us, probably the biggest take away is our at-bat quality — when you’re talking about three games — what it needs to be going forward. You have to give credit to the pitchers who pitched us well, but when you’re talking about having a plan and staying in the strike zone, that’s on the hitter. … With hitting, there’s always kind of lulls.”
In highlighting what he believed the Dodgers’ biggest issue was, Roberts strongly denied the notion any mental aspect is to blame:
“There’s no way that’s the case. I think giving guys days off, passing on some batting practices, but as far as their prep work, this is as mentally tough a group as I’ve seen on the position-player side. There’s no way it’s mental fatigue. These guys have done it the last four years.”
Even with some of their recent regression, the Dodgers remained a top hitting team in baseball, particularly with runners in scoring position. They began their seven-game road trip batting .279 (sixth overall) in such plate appearances.
L.A. additionally ranked in the top 10 with a .369 on-base percentage (fourth), .494 slugging (sixth), .350 wOBA (fourth) and 117 wRC+ (fifth). Though, their woes continued against the Padres, as the Dodgers were 1-for-10 with runners in scoring position and stranded 10 overall.
