The Los Angeles Dodgers mustered just two hits and dropped a second consecutive game to the Milwaukee Brewers, falling to 3-9 in their past 12 games. The loss included moments of frustration boiling over, including for Dodgers manager Dave Roberts in the eighth inning.
After first-base umpire Angel Hernandez ruled Chris Taylor went around on a check swing, Roberts was ejected and came out of the dugout to voice his displeasure. He not only took issue with Hernandez’s ruling on Taylor’s swing, but also a balk call on Jimmy Nelson the inning prior.
“I didn’t agree with the earlier balk call with Nelson, and then right there, I’m in the third base dugout so I don’t have a great angle, but it was pretty clear to me from the backside that C.T. didn’t go around,” Roberts explained.
“As a hitter, anyone who has played the game, knows that a 2-0 count is considerably different than a 1-1 count. I just think we all need to be held accountable, and I felt he missed it.”
The ejection was Roberts’ first this season, which is the same number he’s had every year since 2017. Roberts was ejected twice in 2016, his first season as Dodgers manager.
SportsNet LA analyst Nomar Garciaparra remarked that Nelson’s throw over to first base was nothing out of the norm, which Roberts echoed. “Every pitcher, when they throw to first base, there’s some front leg movement,” he said.
“Jimmy’s been in this league a long time. I didn’t feel it was warranted.”
Hernandez and the rest of the umpiring crew just were with the Dodgers for their home series against the Cincinnati Reds. Like with several other umpires this season, Hernandez’s strike zone was the source of some disagreement.
Roberts analyzes Dodgers offense
A bullpen game went well for the Dodgers from a pitching standpoint, though their offense continued to struggle.
“I know that the intent is there. I think it’s just right now, with our guys, I see a lot of balls in the zone that we’re not ending at-bats on,” Roberts said of at-bat quality.
“When you have a chance to end the at-bat, move the ball forward, I just don’t think we’re doing that. I think the crux of it is when you get into a count and you can handle any at-bat, we’ve got to be better at that.”
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