The Los Angeles Dodgers had several opportunities to score more than two runs in their loss to the San Francisco Giants, but there were a few at-bats that loomed particularly large, including one involving Freddie Freeman in the seventh inning.
Still trailing 2-0, the Dodgers loaded the bases with nobody out. Giants manager Gabe Kapler turned to Jarlín García for the high-leverage spot despite Freeman being a career 6-for-14 with three home runs, seven RBI and two walks against the left-handed relief pitcher.
Freeman got ahead in the count 3-1 before taking a strike to run it full. He then uncharacteristically swung at a fastball outside of the zone to strike out. Trea Turner followed by promptly grounding into an inning-ending double play on the first pitch he saw.
The Dodgers twice left the bases loaded, stranded 14 overall and were 2-for-10 with runners in scoring position. Freeman correctly noted such offensive futility won’t amount to much winning, per Bill Plunkett of the Southern California News Group:
“You’re not going to win many games when you do that,” Freddie Freeman said. “If you want to try and spin it, we had opportunities. But when you lose and you leave that many guys on, it’s a frustrating day as an offense.”
Freeman also expressed frustration in his empty at-bat with the bases loaded:
“I swung at a ball,” Freeman said, still disgusted after the game. “Can’t swing at a ball next time.”
The 2022 National League MVP got some redemption with a leadoff home run in the ninth inning. However, because of a missed call on a wild pitch, that only cut the Dodgers’ deficit in half rather than tying the game.
The home run was Freeman’s fifth of the season and first since May 26. He finished 2-for-5 in the loss.
Dodgers trying to find rest for Freeman
Freeman and Turner are the only Dodgers to start every game this season, and while manager Dave Roberts regularly checks with both, he’s hoping to soon find an opportunity for a day of rest.
Roberts added convincing Freeman or Turner to not be in the lineup is a tall task because both have a preference to play every day.
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