The Los Angeles Dodgers were coming off consecutive series losses at home to the Toronto Blue Jays and Cincinnati Reds, along with an underwhelming trade deadline, when the Oakland Athletics arrived at Dodger Stadium for a three-game set.
There were multiple reasons for the Dodgers to get caught off guard against the worst team in baseball, but they’ve notched consecutive victories and held a 17-4 scoring advantage in the process.
“Obviously the answer is every game is hard to win, but I do believe a team that’s kind of rebuilding right now and players that don’t have much Major League service, these are games that we expect to win,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said.
“Not to take anything away from that ballclub, but when you’re running out guys that we’re running out there, playing to win a division, we’ve got to win games like this playing at home.”
A win on Thursday would give the Dodgers their first series sweep since taking both contests of the Freeway Series at Dodger Stadium from July 7-8 to head into the All-Star break on four-game winning streak. Another victory against the A’s would also give the Dodgers a winning record on their homestand.
“I think the first two games we’ve shown the ability to really control the strike zone, stress the starter, get deep into their ‘pen, and we’re taking care of business,” Roberts said. “That’s a sign of a very good ballclub.
“With that, the starters are doing their job, guys in the ‘pen are doing their job, being efficient. And like I said earlier, to be able to get Freddie, Mookie and Max off their feet was great.”
Dave Roberts sympathizes with Oakland A’s fans chanting
Amid news of the franchise planning to move to Las Vegas, A’s fans have taken to chanting “Sell the team!” at both home and road games. It occurred during the fifth inning on Tuesday and Wednesday, with the first instance more boisterous than the follow-up.
A’s fans presumably will chant again in the series finale.
“Rightfully so. It’s a very good fanbase, a very loyal fanbase,” Roberts said. “When you go into the Coliseum to play, it’s like a college football game. They’re disgruntled, they’re frustrated.
“Fans have a right to voice their opinions. I didn’t really know what they were saying [Tuesday] night but I got a clear verbal tonight. Getting more context, it’s sad and unfortunate. But it’s a way for these guys to display their displeasure.”
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