The Los Angeles Dodgers are currently facing a challenging postseason, and their fans are not holding back when it comes to expressing their frustrations. In Game 3 of the NLDS showdown against the Arizona Diamondbacks, the Dodgers found themselves in a must-win situation. However, the pitching staff’s struggles have been a cause for concern, leading to a wave of criticism directed at manager Dave Roberts. This article delves into the ongoing issues with the Dodgers’ pitching and the reactions of their disappointed fan base.
Dodgers Pitching Woes
In this postseason, the Los Angeles Dodgers have encountered unexpected challenges, with their pitching staff struggling to find their form. The team faces a do-or-die situation in Game 3 of the NLDS against the Arizona Diamondbacks. While the Dodgers’ offense remains lackluster, their pitching has been a major point of concern.
A Record-Breaking Inning
During Game 3, starting pitcher Lance Lynn found himself in a nightmarish scenario as he allowed four consecutive home runs in the bottom of the third inning. Dave Roberts, the Dodgers’ manager, watched helplessly as the Diamondbacks’ hitters relentlessly attacked Lynn.
Hopes that the nightmare would end were quickly dashed as the Diamondbacks scored back-to-back home runs in a single inning, setting a new record for postseason history. Four consecutive home runs in one inning had never been witnessed before.
Ketel Marte, Christian Walker, Gabriel Moreno, and Geraldo Perdomo were the four hitters who made history by hitting those consecutive home runs.
Fan Backlash
Unsurprisingly, Dodgers fans were not pleased with the team’s dismal performance, and they took to social media to vent their frustrations. Manager Dave Roberts bore the brunt of their anger. One fan went as far as to suggest, “Dave Roberts will be managing in Japan next year,” while another declared, “I’d fire Dave Roberts before the game ends! The Dodgers laid down like dogs.”
These sentiments echoed the general mood of Dodgers supporters, as many others expressed their disappointment on various platforms.
The Future of Dave Roberts
Dave Roberts’ career as the Dodgers’ manager has been marked by a mix of achievements and criticism. After a one-year coaching stint with the San Diego Padres, he was hired by the Dodgers in November 2015. In his first year as a manager, he won NL Manager of the Year in 2016 after leading the team to 91 victories and securing the NL West title. From 2016 to 2023, with the exception of the 2021 season, Roberts clinched seven NL West titles under his leadership.
In March 2022, Roberts signed a three-year contract extension with the Dodgers, ensuring his presence until the 2025 season. Despite winning a World Series ring in 2020, Roberts has faced criticism for not achieving multiple championships, considering the talent-rich roster at his disposal during those years.
The Los Angeles Dodgers are currently grappling with a postseason filled with pitching struggles, and their fans are growing increasingly frustrated. The record-breaking four consecutive home runs in a single inning have intensified the scrutiny on manager Dave Roberts. As the team navigates its way through this challenging postseason, the fate of their manager remains a topic of debate among Dodgers supporters.