The Los Angeles Dodgers successfully salvaged the finale of a three-game series with the San Francisco Giants on Wednesday, defeating their rival, 4-3, in walk-off fashion.
It was a much-needed win for Los Angeles to say the least, as it allowed them to snap a five-game losing streak and jump into a second-place tie with the Colorado Rockies in the National League West.
The Dodgers also picked up a half-game over the idle Arizona Diamondbacks and entered Thursday’s off day trailing them by only 1.5 games in the standings.
Despite further bullpen troubles and continued struggles with runners in scoring position, Brian Dozier delivered the decisive blow with a sacrifice fly in the 12th inning. He went 1-for-4 in the contest, drawing two walks while tallying his 12th RBI in 14 games with the club.
“A big relief, to say the least. A huge win, a much-needed win,” Dozier said. While there was a sense of relief, Dozier maintained a panic had not set in for the Dodgers.
“I know this stuff gets magnified with four or five losses in a row, but we’re still playing good baseball,” he explained. “We’re still in a good spot. Obviously, we have a lot of games left, so there’s no need to panic.
“I know from the outside looking in, four or five losses in a row, ‘Gotta win, gotta win.’ But at the same time, we’re still playing good baseball. By what I mean of much-needed win, from a confidence standpoint and to get the ball rolling. Last I checked, the majority of winning streaks always come after a loss, right?”
Since being acquired from the Minnesota Twins at the July 31 non-waiver trade deadline, Dozier has provided a spark to the Dodgers on both sides of the ball.
In addition to his solid glove work at second base, the 31-year-old is hitting .255/.400/.532 with four doubles and three home runs over 60 plate appearances.
Dozier has drawn more walks (12) than strikeouts (seven) and has already stolen two bases while frequently serving as the club’s leadoff hitter.
Dodgers general manager Farhan Zaidi felt it was vital to bring Dozier aboard as an effort to aid the Dodgers’ woes against left-handed pitching this season.
