Dodgers’ Situational Offense Needs To Improve

The Los Angeles Dodgers were shut out for the first time this season after tallying only four hits against the San Francisco Giants on Wednesday night.

It marked a second consecutive game where the Dodgers failed to get anything going offensively. They were limited to just one run and three hits in the series opener at Oracle Park.

“Tonight, actually, the line score certainly wasn’t great,” manager Dave Roberts said on SportsNet LA after the team’s 3-0 loss. “I thought there were a lot more balls hit well tonight versus last night. Production was the same.

“I don’t have an answer right now. We got a tough one tomorrow versus (Logan) Webb, so we got to find a way to keep fighting, keep competing, and hopefully we take some good at-bats tomorrow.”

The Dodgers’ offense hasn’t been able to capitalize on their opportunities against the Giants pitching staff. They’ve gone 0-for-8 with runners in scoring position while leaving 15 on base over the last two games.

“I thought each of the nights there were a couple of pivotal at-bats that I think could have pushed a run across, and we didn’t come through situationally. That certainly impacted the outcome of both these games,” Roberts said.

“Up to this point, I think we’ve been pretty good situationally, but these last two – when you’re not hitting homers and you’re not scoring a bunch of runs, you have to be good situationally. The last two, the opportunities that we did have, we just couldn’t come through there.”

The Dodgers will now try to salvage their series against the Giants in the finale on Thursday. They’ll have Tyler Glasnow on the mound going up against Logan Webb.

Will Smith discusses Dodgers’ offensive struggles

Will Smith isn’t concerned about the Dodgers’ recent offensive struggles and believes they can break out of their slump by making better contact.

“Yeah, not our best,” Smith said on SportsNet LA after the team was held without a run. “We know we’re a good offense. We’re going to have nights like that. Just happened to be two nights in a row.

“I still think it’s quality at-bats. We’re swinging at the right pitches. We’re not chasing a ton. We’re just not really getting the barrel on the ball. So I think it’s the same thing. It’s just a few more barrels.”