A Costly Ninth-Inning Collapse
The Los Angeles Dodgers’ quest for the National League’s top seed took a significant hit on August 13, as the Milwaukee Brewers rallied for a 5-4 victory at Dodger Stadium. The loss was defined by another late-game meltdown from closer Edwin Díaz, who surrendered three earned runs in the ninth inning, marking his third blown save in just four appearances since returning from injury.
Entering the ninth with a lead, the Dodgers appeared poised to secure a crucial win. However, Díaz struggled with his command, allowing four consecutive singles that allowed the Brewers to tie the game. Managerial intervention came too late; by the time left-hander Alex Vesia replaced Díaz with two outs and runners on the corners, the momentum had shifted. Vesia was unable to stem the tide, allowing a ground ball by Jake Bauers to slip through for the go-ahead run.
Offensive Highlights and Roki Sasaki’s Start
Before the late-game drama, the contest featured a notable milestone for veteran infielder Max Muncy. In the bottom of the sixth, Muncy provided the Dodgers with a temporary lead by launching a 426-foot, three-run home run off Brewers right-hander Antonio Senzatela. The blast marked Muncy’s 131st career home run at Dodger Stadium, setting a new franchise record and surpassing Eric Karros for the most home runs in the venue’s history.
The game opened with a challenging start for Dodgers pitcher Roki Sasaki. While Sasaki managed to limit damage through the early innings despite struggling with his splitter and footing on the mound, he unraveled briefly in the fourth. Walks to Joey Ortiz and David Hamilton with the bases loaded pushed in the first two runs for Milwaukee. Despite these early struggles, Sasaki managed to settle in and complete six innings, leaving the game in a position where the Dodgers’ offense had the opportunity to take control.
The Stakes in the National League
The loss leaves the Dodgers (73-49) chasing the Brewers (75-47) in the race for the National League’s number-one seed. With the Atlanta Braves also hovering in the mix, the four-game series represents a pivotal stretch for postseason seeding. The Dodgers currently sit in the third seed, which would deny them a first-round bye in the playoffs—a scenario the organization is clearly looking to avoid as the regular season enters its final phase.
The reliability of the bullpen remains the primary concern for the Dodgers’ front office. With Díaz struggling to regain his form following midseason elbow surgery, the team faces urgent questions regarding its late-inning hierarchy. As the series continues, the Dodgers will look to their rotation, including Yoshinobu Yamamoto and Justin Wrobleski, to provide stability and bridge the gap to a more consistent closing solution.