After taking another series at home, the Los Angeles Dodgers started a four-game road trip against the Arizona Diamondbacks, looking to build on their National League West lead.
The Dodgers have won five straight series and 14 of their last 17 games, but that recent success didn’t translate to this one.
Their lead over the San Diego Padres now sits at five games, while their lead over the Diamondbacks is down to 5.5 games.
Diamondbacks 4, Dodgers 1: key takeaways
Emmet Sheehan beat by two mistakes
Emmet Sheehan turned in a strong outing and had a significant jump in his fastball velocity, but unfortunately, two mistake pitches that the D-Backs took advantage of cost him the win.
Sheehan tossed 6.1 innings while allowing just two runs. But both of those runs came on solo home runs that tied the game and then gave the Diamondbacks the lead.
Still, Sheehan retired 15 straight hitters from the first inning with one out to the sixth inning with one out.
Most encouraging was his fastball velocity, which was up to 95.9 mph compared to his season average of 94.2. He was also able to maintain his velocity throughout the outing, averaging 95.4 mph or higher in every inning, compared to his previous starts, when he would be sitting around 93 by the fourth inning.
Even with the improved stuff, Sheehan didn’t record a ton of swing and misses, which was somewhat surprising given his normal profile, but he was able to limit hard contact outside of those two home runs.
Sheehan walked no hitters, but only struck out three while allowing three hits.
Although he’d love to have those home run pitches back, it was perhaps the most encouraging outing of his season, given his maintained fastball velocity increase. If he can continue sitting around 95-96 mph moving forward, it changes his outlook to a potential high-end starter.
Dodgers offense unable to back up Sheehan
The Dodgers’ offense had a game to forget, scoring just one run and leaving opportunities to score on the bases. They stranded five runners and went 2-for-8 with runners in scoring position, but didn’t score a run on either of those hits.
Their lone run came in the third inning after back-to-back doubles from Shohei Ohtani and Andy Pages put two runners in scoring position. Ohtani wasn’t able to score on Pages’ double because he was unsure if an outfielder would be able to make the play.
Freddie Freeman grounded out to end up scoring Ohtani, but with Pages still at second, Mookie Betts popped up and Kyle Tucker grounded out.
Their only other hit with a runner in scoring position was the second inning when Miguel Rojas singled to load the bases, but Alex Call popped out to end the inning. Earlier in the frame, Max Muncy stepped up with runners at the corners, but grounded into a fielder’s choice with Betts thrown out at home.
Jack Dreyer makes return from injured list
Jack Dreyer was back on the mound in the eighth inning for the first time since being activated on Sunday. But his return left a lot to be desired as he allowed a bunt single and then a two-run homer to put the D-Backs up 4-1.
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