The Los Angeles Dodgers entered their matchup against the Baltimore Orioles with high hopes-but it ended in devastating fashion as closer Tanner Scott gave up a walk-off home run.
The result capped a four-game skid and cast a shadow over the Dodgers’ postseason outlook. It was a night meant for redemption, but instead, it exposed a deeper pain.
After the game, Scott, who holds a $72 million contract, delivered an emotional truth that echoed across the clubhouse: “Baseball hates me right now. I just keep making terrible pitch selections right when it matters, and it’s costing us every time.”
That admission revealed more than just a bad outing-it exposed the emotional fracture within a bullpen once considered a strength.
Scott’s struggles aren’t isolated. His ERA has ballooned from an elite 1.75 to a shaky 4.56 across 51 relief appearances this season. That glaring regression raises concerns about Los Angeles’ reliability in October, when every pitch counts.
Collapse of a no-hitter puts the spotlight on nconsistency
Just days after the walk-off, the Dodgers nearly captured a historic combined no-hitter. Pitchers Tyler Glasnow and Blake Treinen carried the bid through eight innings, and fans braced for a highlight-worthy moment.
Then Scott entered the game-and surrendered a double to Ryan Ritter, instantly ending the no-hit chance. Though he closed out the game without further damage, the dramatic turn encapsulates the Dodgers’ current dilemma: a bullpen capable of brilliance, yet prone to sudden lapses.
Despite topping the NL West with an 80-64 record, the Dodgers are far from safe. Experts have warned that their “fatal flaw” lies in consistency-particularly from underperforming corners of the roster like Scott.
Meanwhile, their offense and starting rotation remain formidable, hinting that success is still within reach-if their relief corps cooperates.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts acknowledged the troubling trend without losing faith: “I thought tonight he threw the ball well… it was one of those things where you’ve got to count leverage. I just thought right there he didn’t make a good pitch. The guy put a good swing on it.”
World Series doubts emerge
Still, the domino effect is real. With the postseason looming, any bullpen volatility can derail even the most gifted rosters. Former World Series runs have been cut short on far less margin for error.
With one month left in the season, the Dodgers have little room for further collapse. Their championship window could still open-but only if they tighten up their margin-for-error moments.
That means getting Scott back on track, shoring up light relievers, and ensuring their setup men can handle high-leverage innings with confidence.
Scott’s admission was more than self-criticism; it was a plea. And now, the Dodgers must respond with composure and reassurance. Because in the postseason, even legends fall when their margins falter.
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