The Los Angeles Dodgers had uncharacteristic play in consecutive games against the Arizona Diamondbacks, which resulted in losing their first head-to-head series since Aug. 29-Sept. 1, 2019.
Manager Dave Roberts felt the Dodgers beat themselves in the second game of the series, yet a subpar performance followed on Wednesday. The Dodgers righted the ship against the Detroit Tigers, snapping a two-game losing streak and improving to 7-1 at home this season.
“It was good. I don’t know how much emotion plays into an outcome, but I think guys were a little upset after losing a series on the road,” Roberts said after the Dodgers’ 5-1 win.
“To get a day off and stew on it, I thought we came in here and had good at-bats all the way around. Some balls we hit really well but didn’t get rewarded, but to see Justin get a homer, hit his first one, I thought that was great. C.T. got into one. I thought all around, good ballgame.”
Justin Turner and Chris Taylor both hitting a home run was part of the Dodgers scoring at least one run in each of the first four innings.
Tyler Anderson allowed one run over five innings, and was backed by Evan Phillips, Phil Bickford, Brusdar Graterol and Reyes Moronta finishing the game out. Of the relief pitchers, only Moronta allowed baserunner — on a leadoff single in the ninth inning.
“It’s great,” Roberts said of the Dodgers lineup adding onto its lead. “I think that’s one of the things we’ve talked about, and rightfully so, where we put up a big number in one inning and we sort of sit back the rest of the game.
“The ability to tack on and stay away from guys you typically don’t want to use that you might need in another game, is really important. It just goes along with having smart players. Because understanding that a three-run lead is better than a two-run lead, and a four-run lead is better than a three-run lead.
“Our guys understand how that plays out and how it affects guys in the ‘pen.”
Turner: Dodgers always turn page
Under Roberts the Dodgers have demonstrated a strong ability to move on from a prior outcome, whether it was positive or negative.
“This clubhouse shows up and tries to win a game every single day,” Turner said. “What happened in Arizona is done with. Nothing we can do about it. Just prepare for tonight and we’ll show up tomorrow and prepare for tomorrow.”
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