One night after rallying for a walk-off win, the Los Angeles Dodgers had the tables turned on them by the San Francisco Giants in the third of a four-game series at Dodger Stadium. It marked the first time in MLB history both teams had alternating ninth-inning comebacks in consecutive games.
Kenley Jansen blew a second straight save as he allowed a leadoff single to Buster Posey, who scored on a go-ahead two-run homer by Wilmer Flores. Jansen gave up one more run later in the inning on a bases-loaded walk to Curt Casali.
The poor outing came only three days after failing to protect a one-run lead against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field. That was the first time Jansen allowed a run since May 28, a span that included 15 consecutive scoreless appearances.
Despite hitting a bit of a rough patch, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts is not considering making a change at closer at this time. “Not thinking about his role,” Roberts said of Jansen after Wednesday’s loss to the Giants. “I’m not going to rethink his role.”
Had Jansen been able to get through the ninth inning cleanly, the Dodgers would have pulled into a tie for first place in the National League West. “I think we’re all frustrated when you have a game in hand and you don’t win it late,” Roberts said.
“No one is more frustrated than Kenley. He expects a lot out of himself. We’ve just got to keep going and continue to put ourselves in a position to win a baseball game. We’ve got Walker going, a fresh bullpen, so we’ve got to find a way to salvage this series.”
After blowing his fourth save of the season, Dodgers fans let Jansen hear it in the form of loud boos, which upset Roberts. “It does. It does,” Roberts answered when asked if he was bothered by that treatment.
“This guy is a lifelong Dodger. The fans certainly have a right to voice their frustrations. I get that. But I do believe this guy, born and raised as a Dodger, what he does, he cares about the Dodgers and fanbase, and he’s shown that on the field and off the field.
“No one hurts more than he does, to be quite honest. He’s worked really hard to get back, should’ve been an All-Star this year and he’s had a fantastic season.
“There was a hiccup the other night and to have one at home, he was looking forward to pitching at home. I’m disappointed to hear that. Certainly. He’s not going to say it, but I am.”
Jansen not going to ‘overthink’ blown save against Giants
Jansen, in the midst of his 12th big league season, is accustomed to an occasional bad performance and vowed to quickly move past his latest against the Giants. “I don’t want to overthink it,” he said after the game.
“I work my butt off too hard to let one moment like this try to mess your season up. Ain’t no time to think about it. These guys are going to play us tough like this the rest of the year and we’ve just got to keep battling.
“I’ve got to be out there and do better. That’s pretty much it. Get those last three outs. Like I said, I’m not going to overthink it. Just shake this one off and get back on the horse.”
Unfortunately for Jansen, another opportunity came Thursday night and he blew another save.
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