After getting off to one of their worst starts in franchise history, the Los Angeles Dodgers appeared to get themselves on track with a series sweep of the San Diego Padres that was part of a four-game winning streak.
That was snapped by the Washington Nationals, but the Dodgers rebounded with consecutive wins to take the series against another National League contender. However, it’s been tough sledding since that point.
The Miami Marlins took two of three at Dodger Stadium, earning their first series victory of the season, and the San Francisco Giants have won two of three meetings heading into Sunday’s series finale.
That’s amounted to the Dodgers losing four of their last five games. An encouraging showing in Game 1 of the doubleheader at AT&T Park was met by more futility in the nightcap.
As they struggle to find their footing, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said his team simply needs to keep with their approach, via Bill Plunkett of the Southern California News Group:
“You have to understand that this is just a bad stretch,” Roberts said. “I know with the talent we have if we continue to put forth that effort and prepare the right way and play that way, wins will be there.
“It’s more magnified right now and it’s not pretty. It seems like we’re coming up on the short end of things but we’ve got to keep playing. It’s all we can do.”
Roberts’ message of consistency and plugging away is one he’s stressed since being named manager prior to the 2016 season. Though with that has come a willingness to critique the club and their need to improve.
If the Dodgers are going to meet the lofty expectations they faced heading into the season, they will first need to do so on the road.
After wrapping up a series against the Giants, their road trip will take them to Arizona for four games with the Diamondbacks, then Mexico to face the San Diego Padres.
