The Los Angeles Dodgers defeated the Pittsburgh Pirates for the 11th consecutive time on Tuesday while snapping a two-game losing streak in the process. At that point the club got through the first 60 games of the regular season, matching last year’s shortened total.
L.A. posted an MLB-best 43-17 record during the 2020 season en route to winning their first World Series in over three decades. By comparison, the Dodgers have gone 35-25 through 60 games this year and currently sit in third place in the National League West standings.
“I don’t think there’s any point with comparing the two,” manager Dave Roberts said. “Last year was a 60-game season, this year is 162.
“I think where we’re at right now, obviously we’d like to be leading the standings. Like I said earlier, our best baseball, in my opinion, is yet to come. We’re fortunate that it’s 162, but we knew that going into the season. Just got to continue to get better each night.”
The Dodgers jumped out to an impressive 13-2 start this season before following that up with a dismal 5-15 skid. L.A.’s struggles were attributed to an inconsistent lineup and several key players landing on the injured list.
Since then, however, the Dodgers have inched closer to full health and are swinging the bat much better. It’s resulted in the team going a much better 17-8 over their last 25 games.
MLB returning to a normal 162-game schedule this season has afforded the Dodgers and other clubs plenty of time to reach their full potential. “Every game is important, we try to win every single baseball game, but the truth is it’s a longer season,” Roberts said.
“To play every game like it’s Game 7, or I think last year every game meant 2.5 or whatever the number was, it’s not the case this year. “We’re still trying to play to win, but again it’s not 60 games.”
Kershaw: Dodgers have to avoid complacency during 162-game season
While Roberts believes there’s more room for error over a full 162-game season, Clayton Kershaw recently opined the Dodgers should maintain a similar approach to last year.
“It doesn’t do anybody any good to think about a long season. It doesn’t do anybody any good to think, ‘Well, we’re figure it out eventually. It’s 162, we’re too good not to,’” Kershaw said. “In my opinion, you figure it out right now.
“Don’t wait, don’t get complacent with it. Figure it out today. Last season taught us that a little bit. For me personally, every game matters, whether it’s in May or September. All the wins count the same. We’re starting to figure it out.”
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