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"Is there any other option?" Manager Roberts gives up; Edwin Diaz blows another save... Can the Dodgers achieve a three-peat in the World Series?

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Kim Dongyoon

*This content was translated by AI.

LA Dodgers closer Edwin Diaz. /AFPBBNews=NEWS1
LA Dodgers closer Edwin Diaz. /AFPBBNews=NEWS1

This is why the Dodgers might not be able to win three consecutive World Series titles. The LA Dodgers, plagued by chronic issues with their closer, suffered another comeback loss.

On the 14th (Korean time), the Dodgers lost a comeback game 4-5 to the Milwaukee Brewers in a regular-season home game at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, California, USA, for the 2026 Major League Baseball (MLB) season.

They surrendered a two-run lead in an instant. With the Dodgers leading 4-2 in the bottom of the ninth inning with one out, closer Edwin Diaz entered the game. After striking out the first batter, William Contreras, looking, Diaz gave up consecutive hits to Joey Ortiz and David Hamilton, quickly putting himself in a bases-loaded situation.

The Milwaukee batters did not let the shaky Diaz off the hook. Jackson Chourio and Garrett Mitchell repeatedly hit balls to right field, tying the game 4-4 in an instant.

Diaz struck out Gary Sanchez on three pitches and was replaced by Alex Vesia. However, the momentum had already shifted. Vesia allowed a two-out RBI single to Jake Bauers, giving Milwaukee a 5-4 lead.

He managed to end the inning with a walk to Andrew Vaughn and a groundout to shortstop Christian Yelich. In the top of the ninth, the Dodgers' lineup featuring Mookie Betts, Max Muncy, and Kyle Tucker failed to reach base, helplessly accepting the comeback loss.

Diaz's blown save was his third this month. His season stats stand at 14 games, 2 wins, 2 losses, and an ERA of 11.57, which is disappointing considering the money invested in acquiring Diaz.

The Dodgers, who successfully won two consecutive World Series titles, signed Diaz to a three-year, $69 million (approximately 97.5 billion won) contract last winter to strengthen their bullpen. However, he underwent surgery to remove bone fragments from his elbow just one month into the season and did not return until late July.

Even after his return, the Dodgers' bullpen remained unstable. Aside from Tanner Scott, every pitcher who appeared in save situations more than twice recorded a blown save, as they were repeatedly hit hard in rotation.

Dave Roberts, the Dodgers manager, appears to have given up. During the post-game press conference, reporters asked whether Diaz would continue to pitch in the ninth inning despite his poor performance today. In response, Manager Roberts retorted, "Then tell me who else I can use," and added, "I cannot say that Diaz will be used only in non-pressure situations. To do so, there must be other players available, but honestly, no other player is a suitable alternative."

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*This content was translated by AI.

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