The Los Angeles Dodgers lose back to back games to the Padres 6-2, and close to losing the season series, which they have not done yet in this shortened season. The Dodgers now have a record of 11-7. Manager Dave Roberts states the scoreboard does not reflect their at-bat quality and their intent to win the game. “We squared a lot of balls up tonight. I really, really love the fight, the competition in the batter’s box. I think we have to continue to stay the course.” Roberts gave credit to Padres for their energy. “Its Baseball we have to give those guys credit, they came with energy and got a big hit when they needed it.”
Pitcher Ross Stripling noticed the intensity in the Padres dugout. He said they are confident in their team, made good trades in the offseason, and didn’t feel like they were a lesser team than the Dodgers. “I think they feel like they compete with us and they’ve shown it. They are a confident young team, really good lineup, good bullpen, starters are good. They feel like they can compete with any, and that’s the energy they bring.
Roberts believes the Dodgers will put up big numbers in the coming days if they play similar to how they played these last couple of games. “We just got keep grinding and keep going.” Losing is a part of Baseball, and Roberts explains that guys will not be “hot” offensively all the time. He states that guys are going to struggle for weeks at a time and it happens every year.
With the season not being six months, Roberts says it might be a while for some guys to catch, but he encourages them to push through. “Have the ability to focus. You have to drown out that noise and batting average out of your head.”
Third baseman Justin Turner reached 1000 career hits, and Roberts could not be happier for him. He said with this accomplishment, Justin is very proud. “A lot of people helped him, no more than himself,” he proudly states. “To reach that 1000 hit milestone considering where his career started, that’s quite an accomplishment. What he’s meant to the Dodgers; I’m big on legacy and Justin legacy with the Dodger organization, greater Los Angeles, and the fanbase is going to live a long time,” states Roberts.
The Dodgers face the 11-7 San Diego Padres today at 6:40 P.M.
