Dodgers' struggles continue

The Los Angeles Dodgers dropped their second straight game Sunday afternoon, falling 7-2 to the Atlanta Braves at Dodger Stadium as Atlanta took the weekend series. The loss moved Los Angeles to 24-16 on the season and exposed an offense that struggled to generate momentum against Braves starter Bryce Elder.

Atlanta jumped on Dodgers starter Justin Wrobleski early, scoring four runs in the second inning behind a three-run double from Mauricio Dubón. The Braves added insurance runs late while Dodgers hitters were held scoreless through seven innings.  

Wrobleski, who entered the game undefeated, settled down after the rough second inning and ended up pitching 8 2/3 innings while striking out seven batters. Still, the early damage proved too much for Los Angeles to overcome. Max Muncy finally put the Dodgers on the board in the eighth inning with a two-run homer, his 10th home run of the season.  

“Bryce Elder allowed one hit in 5 2/3 scoreless innings,” according to ESPN’s game recap, as the Braves pitching staff dominated one of baseball’s top lineups.  The Dodgers finished with just two hits in the game while striking out repeatedly against Elder and Atlanta’s bullpen. Shohei Ohtani went hitless as his recent slump continued, and Los Angeles left few opportunities to rally.  

Max Muncy provided the lone offensive highlight for Los Angeles with his eighth-inning blast to right field. Earlier in the game, Braves outfielder Eli White robbed Muncy of a potential bases-clearing hit with a spectacular catch crashing into the wall in right field, a play that helped keep the Dodgers off the scoreboard.  

Dodgers Key Stats

• Max Muncy: 1-for-4, HR, 2 RBI

• Justin Wrobleski: 8.2 IP, 9 H, 7 ER, 7 K

• Dodgers offense: 2 hits total

• Braves offense: 9 hits, 3 home runs

• Dodgers record: 24-16

• Attendance at Dodger Stadium: 49,514  

The Dodgers now turn their attention to a key National League West showdown against the San Francisco Giants beginning Monday night at Dodger Stadium. Rookie sensation Roki Sasaki is expected to make his first career start against San Francisco as Los Angeles looks to rebound after dropping two straight games.