The Los Angeles Dodgers came into their four-game series against the last-place Miami Marlins riding a nine-game win streak, although that is now a thing of the past after suffering three straight disappointing defeats.
The Dodgers have been right there in all three games, but silly mistakes have done them in each night. In the three losses, L.A. has committed five errors and allowed Miami to steal seven bases and at the plate, the Dodgers have gone just 5-for-25 with runners in scoring position.
While Justin Turner gave the Marlins credit for their strong play, he also recognized that the Dodgers need to cut down on the mistakes.
“I just think that they’re doing a great job of capitalizing on every mistake we make and we’re paying the price for it,” Turner said after Wednesday’s walk-off loss.
Turner also stated that the Dodgers understand they have a target on their backs so they have to play better regardless of the opponent.
“Yeah, I’ve said this many times. It doesn’t matter what we did last year, we’re the Dodgers, we always think we have a target on our back. Doesn’t matter what anything says on paper, you still got to show up and play the game and do all the little things right. Like I said, we’re not doing all the little things right now and it seems like we’re paying for every little mistake that we make.”
Dave Roberts echoed Turner’s sentiment that the Dodgers need to clean up the little mistakes that have cost them not only in this series but seemingly all year long.
“We just got to be better across the board,” Roberts said. “I think defensively, taking good at-bats when we need to situationally. Those guys over there, they’ve played some good baseball. Impressive baseball, they’ve made the plays they’ve needed to make and they’ve made pitches when they need to.
“So it’s a good club over there, they can really pitch, they’ve got some talent over there and they’ve put it on us the first three games. So right now, we’ve got Julio going tomorrow, we need to find a way to get a win and play a clean game.”
As Roberts alluded to, Julio Urias gets the start in the series finale on Thursday morning as the Dodgers look to avoid the sweep.
Turner looking to take quality at-bats
While the Dodgers as a whole have not played well, Turner has actually been swinging the bat really well as of late. After going 2-for-4 with a home run on Wednesday night, Turner is now 11-for-24 this month, good for a .458 batting average.
He isn’t sure why he’s so hot but is taking to same approach he always does at the plate.
“Just want to continue taking quality at-bats and making quality contact, finding some holes.”
Have you subscribed to our YouTube channel? It’s the best way to watch player interviews, exclusive coverage from events and more!
