The Los Angeles Dodgers’ losing streak grew to a season-high three games after falling 12-10 to the Philadelphia Phillies in 10 innings on Friday night.
The Dodgers pitching staff remained in its recent lull despite the offense providing plenty of run support. Walker Buehler wasn’t able to preserve the club’s 5-2 lead as the Phillies responded with three runs in the top of the fourth.
The right-hander allowed a total of five runs on nine hits in five innings of work. “Just not a very good job of beating guys,” Buehler said after the game.
“I left some pitches in places that you can’t to certain guys. It’s a talented team and definitely a challenging lineup, but that’s something that I definitely expect to have a little more success. I just wasn’t very good.”
Buehler retired the side in order in the fifth inning, his only time doing so on the night. He started on normal rest, but manager Dave Roberts acknowledged before the game the Dodgers had preferred to give him an extra day.
The team’s plan required change in response to Clayton Kershaw — Friday’s scheduled starter — going on the 15-day injured list due to right SI joint inflammation.
“I felt good in the bullpen and first inning went fine. Then it went haywire a couple times on me,” Buehler said. “It’s all part of it. Obviously it’s a long year, this was start No. 7, and hopefully we’ll have 30-something by the end. There will be some good ones and some bad ones.”
Roberts, Barnes agree Dodgers need to improve pitch sequencing
After dropping a second consecutive game to the Phillies, Roberts pointed out that the team needs to improve with pitch sequencing. “We’re going to dive in on some things. We need to be better,” he said.
Austin Barnes, who went 3-for-4 and started behind the plate in Friday’s loss to the Phillies, also vowed that the Dodgers will figure things out on that end.
“I think every team is different, every pitcher is different. We’ll go over what our plan is and how to attack hitters,” Barnes said.
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