Dodgers' Offensive Woes Continue as Cardinals Sweep Series 3-2

Key facts

• Dodgers lost 3-2 to Cardinals on Saturday, dropping fourth of last five at Busch Stadium.
• Roki Sasaki allowed three runs on five hits over six innings, striking out four and walking two.
• Cardinals starter Michael McGreevy pitched six scoreless innings, allowing three hits and three walks.
• Dodgers hit into four double plays, including three in the first five innings.
• Los Angeles averaged 2.4 runs per game this week with only five extra-base hits, all doubles.
• Dodgers are 0-for-6 with runners in scoring position in Friday's 7-2 loss.
• Shohei Ohtani went 0-for-5 with a strikeout in Friday's game.
• Jordan Walker went 4-for-4 with two doubles and two RBIs in Friday's 7-2 win.

Lede: A Ninth-Inning Rally Falls Short

The Los Angeles Dodgers, two-time defending World Series champions, suffered their fourth consecutive defeat on Saturday, falling 3-2 to the St. Louis Cardinals at Busch Stadium. The loss ensured a series sweep for the Cardinals, who have now won six straight games. The Dodgers' offense, which has been anemic all week, managed only a two-out rally in the ninth inning that ultimately fell short when pinch-hitter Dalton Rushing struck out swinging with the tying and go-ahead runs on base.

Sasaki's Strong Start Wasted by Offensive Struggles

Roki Sasaki delivered his longest outing of the season, completing six full innings for the first time while throwing a career-high 104 pitches. He allowed three runs on five hits, striking out four and walking two. However, his performance was undermined by a Dodgers offense that could not capitalize on scoring opportunities. Sasaki has now allowed 18 runs after the start of the third inning this season, resulting in a 9.72 ERA from innings three onward. On a positive note, his walks have decreased dramatically, with only three walks over his last 11 innings.

Cardinals Defense Stifles Dodgers' Bats

The Cardinals turned four double plays on Saturday, including three in the first five innings, to neutralize the Dodgers' offense. In the third inning, a diving catch by J.J. Wetherholt on a line drive from Shohei Ohtani doubled up Alex Freeland at first base. The Dodgers managed only three hits through the first eight innings, with their first hit since the third inning coming from Teoscar Hernández in the seventh. The team went 0-for-6 with runners in scoring position in Friday's 7-2 loss, and continued to struggle in similar situations on Saturday.

Historic Power Slump Plagues Dodgers

The Dodgers are in the midst of a historic power slump, averaging just 2.4 runs per game this week with only five extra-base hits, all doubles and no home runs. They have left a combined 40 runners on base over their last five games, hitting just.225 with runners in scoring position. Despite entering Friday leading the majors with an.802 OPS, the team has scored two or fewer runs in each of their last three losses. Manager Dave Roberts expressed confidence that the team can snap out of their recent struggles at the plate.

Cardinals' Pitching Dominates Series

Cardinals starter Michael McGreevy earned his second win of the season, pitching six scoreless innings while allowing three hits and three walks, striking out three. Relievers Ryne Stanek and Jojo Romero combined for two perfect innings, with Romero striking out both Miguel Rojas and Ohtani. Closer Riley O'Brien earned his ninth save despite allowing two runs in the ninth inning. On Friday, Matthew Liberatore allowed two runs on four hits in 5 2/3 innings, while Jordan Walker went 4-for-4 with two doubles and two RBIs.

What's Next: Series Finale and Road Ahead

The Dodgers close out their series in St. Louis on Sunday at 11:15 a.m. PT, with left-hander Justin Wrobleski making his fifth start. Wrobleski has been a surprising star with a 4-0 record and 1.50 ERA, despite whiff and strikeout rates in the bottom 5% of pitchers. His pitching run value, fastball run value, and breaking run value are all in the top 6%. The Cardinals will counter with a familiar face, former Dodger Dustin May. After Sunday, the Dodgers head to Houston for a three-game set against the Astros.

Analysis: A Team in Need of a Spark

The Dodgers' offensive struggles have been compounded by a lack of timely hitting and an inability to capitalize on scoring opportunities. While the team has shown flashes of power, including 12-run performances in the last two weeks, consistency has eluded them. The Cardinals' defense has been a key factor, turning double plays and making highlight-reel catches. With the trade deadline approaching, the Dodgers may need to address their offensive depth if the slump continues. For now, they must find a way to break out of their funk before facing a tough Astros team.

The bottom line

• The Dodgers have lost four straight games, including a series sweep by the Cardinals, and are averaging 2.4 runs per game this week.
• Roki Sasaki allowed three runs over six innings but has a 9.72 ERA from the third inning onward this season.
• The Cardinals turned four double plays on Saturday, stifling the Dodgers' offense.
• Shohei Ohtani went 0-for-5 in Friday's loss and has been part of the team's offensive struggles.
• Justin Wrobleski starts Sunday with a 4-0 record and 1.50 ERA, despite low strikeout rates.
• The Dodgers face the Astros in Houston after the series finale in St. Louis.