Los AngelesVideoClayton Kershawdodgers

Dodgers Lose To Padres Twice, Making Four Straight Losses, Knocking Team Morale

LOSING GRIP
San Bernardino County Sun, Calif.
|
Open Image Modal

Minutes after the Dodgers' 14th game, a bullpen-depleting 9-2 loss to the San Diego Padres on Tuesday, manager Don Mattingly rhetorically asked what would be the point of meeting with his team.

Apparently something changed in the next 24 hours.

The Padres won again Wednesday and completed their first series sweep at Dodger Stadium in seven years. They left a cruel going-away present, a cloud of doubt, as an unwelcome passenger on the Dodgers' flight to Baltimore.

It was time for a team meeting.

"The last few days, when we've gotten down, it feels like we're way down," he said. "This club shouldn't feel like that."

The Dodgers went 5 for 27 with runners in scoring position in the series. For the season, their .171 batting average with runners in scoring position ranked 28th in Major League Baseball through Wednesday.

They have scored fewer runs than all but one team, the rebuilding Miami Marlins.

"Getting down a couple runs," Mattingly said, "you want to be sitting there on the bench thinking, 'We've got all day, we're going to put some runs on the board.'

"Right now, I can't tell you that you get that feeling on the bench."

How do they turn it around?

"Just play another game," Wednesday's starter, Clayton Kershaw, said. "Keep going. Can't look back."

It might be that simple for a pitcher who throws every five days -- every six this time through the rotation. First baseman

Adrian Gonzalez said it's going to take more than one big hit or one big inning, to break out of their slump with runners in scoring position.

"It's hit after hit after hit, so we can all see it," Gonzalez said.

"It takes a big week. One game is not going to carry momentum. Two, three, four games is going to carry momentum."

The Dodgers have several slumping players. Superstar Matt Kemp is getting the most attention because his .182 batting average is far below his .293 career pace. However, third baseman Luis Cruz (.100) and shortstop Justin Sellers (.179) have created black holes at the bottom of the lineup.

Sellers likely will head back to Triple-A once shortstop Hanley Ramirez (thumb surgery) is activated from the disabled list, which should happen sometime next month.

Reserves Skip Schumaker, Nick Punto, Juan Uribe, Jerry Hairston Jr. and Ramon Hernandez are collectively hitting .221 (15 for 68).

The Dodgers' game in Baltimore today will be their seventh ever against a team that once merged with the Brooklyn Dodgers, back in 1899.

A good time for a road trip?

"A good time for a day off," Gonzalez said Wednesday.

(c)2013 the San Bernardino County Sun (San Bernardino, Calif.)

Visit the San Bernardino County Sun (San Bernardino, Calif.) at www.sbsun.com

Our 2024 Coverage Needs You

As Americans head to the polls in 2024, the very future of our country is at stake. At HuffPost, we believe that a free press is critical to creating well-informed voters. That's why our journalism is free for everyone, even though other newsrooms retreat behind expensive paywalls.

Our journalists will continue to cover the twists and turns during this historic presidential election. With your help, we'll bring you hard-hitting investigations, well-researched analysis and timely takes you can't find elsewhere. Reporting in this current political climate is a responsibility we do not take lightly, and we thank you for your support.

to keep our news free for all.

Support HuffPost

Before You Go

Best Restaurants Near Dodger Stadium
1. Allumette (1.1 miles away)(01 of18)
Open Image Modal
If you’re looking for something a bit upscale, Allumette is an American restaurant that brings a level of sophistication and precision not commonly seen in Echo Park. The menu consists of several artful small plates from chef Miles Thompson (Nobu, Animal, Son of a Gun) emphasizing high-quality ingredients used in innovative ways. The cocktails are a must-try thanks to Serena Herrick, previously of Harvard & Stone.TRY: Carrot Salad, Cavatelli, Szechuan Pork Dumpling, Citrus Curd (credit:Photo courtesy of Allumette)
2. Chego (1.6 miles away)(02 of18)
Open Image Modal
Chef Roy Choi is opening a second branch of Chego very soon in Chinatown’s Far East Plaza. The restaurant focuses on indulgent, rich Korean comfort dishes mixed with Los Angeles street food. The new location will also offer takeout for convenient meals to enjoy at the stadium.TRY: Ooey Gooey Fries, Chubby Pork Belly, Tres Leches Cake (credit:Facebook: Eat Chego)
3. Cookbook (1.2 miles away)(03 of18)
Open Image Modal
Cookbook is a small, European style grocery store owned by Marta Teegan and Robert Stelzner that values fresh, organic produce and products from environmentally responsible sources. Because of this approach and their small size, Cookbook’s wares are on the pricier side, but their fresh baked bread is very good and their sandwiches are flavorful and new everyday. Get there early—they tend to run out of their best items around lunchtime.TRY: Whatever is seasonal! Their menu is constantly changing. (credit:FoodGPS)
4. Cortez (0.6 miles away)(04 of18)
Open Image Modal
Cortez is a casual restaurant from Cookbook owners Marta Teegan and Robert Stelzner with a seasonal menu made up of simple small dishes of sustainable, farm-to-table food. The servings are small, but the flavors and finesse involved makes these plates worth their price. Be aware that the restaurant only has bar or communal seating and does not take reservations.TRY: The menu is seasonal, but try something with their interesting cheeses and charcuterie. (credit:Cortez)
5. Eastside Market Italian Deli (1.3 miles away)(05 of18)
Open Image Modal
Eastside Market Italian Deli has been open since 1929, and it offers nostalgic Italian sandwiches in huge, messy portions. Local cops and firefighters are frequent guests, and you’ll find Italian subs stuffed with meat, slathered in tomato sauce, cheese and fresh green pepper, and all on fresh baked bread. Keep in mind that Eastside Market closes at 4 pm and can get busy around lunchtime.TRY: Meatball Sub, Roast Beef & Pastrami, Lasagna (credit:Facebook: Eastside Market Italian Deli)
6. Elf Cafe (1.5 miles away)(06 of18)
Open Image Modal
Elf Cafe serves vegetarian and vegan food with an eastern Mediterranean twist that even carnivores can enjoy. The small restaurant has a hip, romantic atmosphere and their dishes highlights organic, locally grown ingredients while avoiding meat substitutes. Elf also has a convenient $5 corkage fee. However, the restaurant is only open for dinner, is cash-only, and can get busy, so make reservations ahead of time.TRY: Buffalo Oyster Mushrooms, Mushroom Risotto, Baked Tart (credit:Elf Cafe)
7. Guisados (0.8 miles away)(07 of18)
Open Image Modal
You’ll find plenty of street tacos in Echo Park, but Guisados stands out with its gourmet flavors and warm, hearty, handmade tortillas. The dining area is simple, with both indoor and outdoor seating available, and the large variety of tacos available will satisfy any appetite.TRY: 6 Taco Sampler + 1 Shrimp Taco, Homemade Horchata, Aguas Frescas (credit:FoodGPS)
8. La Caridad (1.9 miles away)(08 of18)
Open Image Modal
La Caridad may seem intimidating with its entirely Spanish menu, but the staff is friendly and will help you navigate their authentic Cuban fare. Expect huge portions and don’t be afraid to try their daily specials. La Caridad closes at 6 pm and is cash only.TRY: Ropa Vieja (shredded beef simmered in tomato sauce base), Cuban sandwich, café con leche (credit:FoodGPS)
9. Masa of Echo Park (1.2 miles away)(09 of18)
Open Image Modal
Masa of Echo Park offers a unique Californian take on Chicago-style deep-dish pizza, complete with its special corn-meal crust, fresh ingredients and vegan options. The small, charming restaurant with its mismatched chairs can get busy, loud, and crowded, but accommodates groups well, especially with no corkage fee. Consider ordering the pizza ahead of time or before you’re seated, as the hefty pizzas can take up to 50 minutes to cook.TRY: Lots of Meat Pizza, Warm Croissant Bread Pudding (credit:Facebook: Masa)
10. Mexicali Taco and Co. (1.6 miles away)(10 of18)
Open Image Modal
Although Mexicali Taco and Co.’s menu offers plenty of tacos, most patrons come here for the vampiro, a unique garlicky twist on the classic quesadilla. The small restaurant—which was once a humble cart in a downtown parking lot—also boasts an impressive salsa bar. This cash-only place is more expensive than your average taco truck but still relatively cheap, and the unusual items are all worth trying.TRY: Chicken Vampiro, Cachetada (tostada topped with asada and chipotle aioli), Zuperman, Avocado Salsa (credit:FoodGPS)
11. Mohawk Bend (1.5 miles away)(11 of18)
Open Image Modal
Mohawk Bend is a hip gastropub located in a former Vaudeville theatre and decorated with industrial plywood. The restaurant features a busy bar in front, complete with a large collection of craft beers, and a large, open backroom where diners can enjoy vegan options and ingredient-focused dishes.TRY: Buffalo Style Cauliflower, Flash Gordon salad, Squash Chowder, any of the pizzas (credit:FoodGPS)
12. Philippe’s (1.8 miles away)(12 of18)
Open Image Modal
Philippe’s, the claimed inventor of the French Dip sandwich, has been around 1908 and is popular with both locals and tourists. This eatery is filled with historic mementos and nostalgic décor, a trip to the past. There are often huge lines on weekends and around lunch, but the wait is short and the food is worth the trouble. Be sure to bring cash, and make sure you try some of their side dishes along with the famous sandwiches.TRY: Beef or lamb French Dip, Potato Salad, Pickled Egg, Lemonade (credit:FoodGPS)
13. Red Hill (1.2 miles)(13 of18)
Open Image Modal
Red Hill is a casual little restaurant from Jason Michaud that serves simple, comforting fare. The place supports local, seasonal ingredients, and as such the menu changes frequently. If you’re looking for rustic, American dishes in a romantic environment, Red Hill is definitely a good choice and nice for a date.TRY: Cauliflower with chili aioli, Bread and Pickles, seasonal entrees (credit:FoodGPS)
14. Sage Organic Vegan Bistro (1.2 miles away)(14 of18)
Open Image Modal
Sage may be vegan, but still has a large selection of indulgent menu items that challenges normal definitions of “health” food. For example, Mexican dishes include street tacos and burritos. The restaurant has a nice, intimate family feel and can get a bit loud. The restaurant also houses Kind Kreme, an in-house vegan ice cream, smoothie and juicing station.TRY: Jackfruit street tacos, 3 cheese macaroni balls (credit:Facebook: Sage)
15. The Park (0.7 miles away)(15 of18)
Open Image Modal
The Park is a casual neighborhood bistro with a globally influenced menu. The Park is vegetarian-friendly but still touts plenty of meat options and is one of the closest restaurants to Dodger Stadium. Consider coming to The Park on one of their special nights like $5 burger Wednesday or $15 prix fixe dinner Tuesdays.TRY: The seasonal menu is constantly changing, but try one of their sandwiches or burgers and you can’t go wrong. (credit:FoodGPS)
16. The Park’s Finest (1.2 miles away)(16 of18)
Open Image Modal
The Park’s Finest cooks up barbeque fare unlike any you’re like to find in Los Angeles. The family-owned restaurant started as a catering service and features Filipino interpretations of Southern BBQ classics. The space may be small and somewhat bare in appearance, but the friendly service, huge portions and tasty meats make this restaurant a must-try.TRY: Cornbread Bibingka, Coconut Beef, Beef Tri-Tip (credit:FoodGPS)
17. Taix French Restaurant (1.3 miles away)(17 of18)
Open Image Modal
This authentic French restaurant opened in 1927 and has plenty of history behind it. Recently, three of the waiters celebrated 50 years working there, and inside the classy, old-school interior mostly welcomes an older crowd who all seem like they’ve been patrons for decades. Enjoy home-style cooking, traditional cocktails and charming staff while taking in an unusual and sophisticated ambiance.TRY: Vegetarian soups, Steak Frites, Salmon with Champagne Sauce (credit:FoodGPS)
18. TiGeorges’ Chicken (2.3 miles away)(18 of18)
Open Image Modal
TiGeorge’s Chicken has a special claim to fame by being L.A.’s only Haitian restaurant. George “TiGeorge” Laguerre is the owner and operator. Don’t be surprised if the friendly chef swings by your table and asks how you’re doing. Expect huge plates of Caribbean fare accompanied by delicious rice and beans. Make a point to try their home-roasted coffee.TRY: Chicken Plate, Goat, Plantains, Coffee
Suggest a correction
|
Submit a tip