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Dave Roberts slammed for his decision that led to another Dodgers choke job
Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Some fans are starting to lose confidence in Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts after his late-game strategy on Tuesday backfired on the team.

The Dodgers were clinging to a 4-3 lead over the Arizona Diamondbacks heading into the bottom of the ninth inning at Chase Field in Phoenix, Ariz. With the game hanging in the balance, Roberts went to closer Tanner Scott to pull out a victory.

Scott allowed the first two batters to reach base on a hit by pitch and a walk, respectively. A couple of sacrifice outs scored the tying run and gave Geraldo Perdomo a chance to end the game with a line-drive single to left field.

Scott’s blown save wasted six shutout innings from Shohei Ohtani earlier in the contest. The situation must have felt like dejà vu for Dodgers fans after seeing virtually the same scenario unfold last week.

After Tuesday’s ninth-inning meltdown, Scott became the only pitcher this season to blow double-digit save opportunities (10 blown saves in 32 chances). Many fans put Roberts on blast for continuing to put his trust in Scott despite his worrisome body of work this season.

Scott entered Tuesday’s game with blown saves in four of his last eight save opportunities. In a Dodgers bullpen that’s been erratic all season long, Scott has arguably been the biggest disappointment.

The Dodgers are expected to mix things up when it comes to their relief pitching to close out the season. Roberts noted that Clayton Kershaw was available in relief on Tuesday and may be an option again for the rematch on Wednesday. Even returning rookie Roki Sasaki is projected to get a shot at saving the Dodgers’ bullpen.

This article first appeared on Larry Brown Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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