![](https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/2024-06-20T222338Z_1475718125_MT1USATODAY23588476_RTRMADP_3_MLB-LOS-ANGELES-DODGERS-AT-COLORADO-ROCKIES.jpg?width=600)
USA Today via Reuters
Jun 20, 2024; Denver, Colorado, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Gavin Stone (35) is pulled by manager Dave Roberts (30) as third baseman Kike Hernandez (8) and shortstop Miguel Rojas (11) and first baseman Freddie Freeman (5) and catcher Will Smith (16) look on in the sixth inning against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports
![](https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/2024-06-20T222338Z_1475718125_MT1USATODAY23588476_RTRMADP_3_MLB-LOS-ANGELES-DODGERS-AT-COLORADO-ROCKIES.jpg?width=600)
USA Today via Reuters
Jun 20, 2024; Denver, Colorado, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Gavin Stone (35) is pulled by manager Dave Roberts (30) as third baseman Kike Hernandez (8) and shortstop Miguel Rojas (11) and first baseman Freddie Freeman (5) and catcher Will Smith (16) look on in the sixth inning against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports
The sweet, roaring taste of victory is a sensation that Freddie Freeman and the Los Angeles Dodgers yearn for, but last night, it was replaced by the deafening silence of defeat. The Arizona Diamondbacks, fueled by a relentless Christian Walker and a resurgent Zac Gallen, snatched a 12-4 win, leaving the Dodgers to grapple with missed opportunities and a lingering sense of frustration.
Freeman, the heart and soul of the Boys in Blue’s offense, could only watch in anguish as his team’s early lead evaporated into thin air. “We jumped on them early,” he admitted, a flicker of pride momentarily masking his disappointment. But that flicker soon dimmed as the DBacks’ rookie pitcher, Cristian Mena, found his footing, silencing the Dodgers’ bats for the remainder of the game. “Their bullpen, we just didn’t have anything for it,” Freeman lamented, his voice heavy with regret—their bats, once a symphony of power and precision, now lay dormant, their echoes lost in the vast expanse of Dodger Stadium.
Freddie Freeman (2 H, 3 RBI) spoke about tonight's loss against the Dbacks. pic.twitter.com/uv7OI1J0oo
— SportsNet LA (@SportsNetLA) July 4, 2024
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Polls of the day
Poll 1 of 5
Who is to blame for the Dodgers' tough loss to the Diamondbacks?
Freddie Freeman
Pitching staff
Manager decisions
Lack of team effort
Do you agree with the idea of turning Shohei Ohtani into a full-time position player?
Absolutely
No way
Maybe, if it benefits the team
Undecided
Whats your Perspective on:
Freddie Freeman's frustration—Are the Dodgers squandering their talent this season?
Have an interesting take?
Do you think Patrick Mahomes' demands will benefit the Kansas City Royals?
Yes, they need a push
No, it's too much
Maybe, time will tell
Absolutely, he's right
Do you think Aaron Boone made the right call by pulling Carlos Rodon back to the dugout?
Absolutely
No way
It was necessary
He should have let him play
Walker, the Snakes’ slugger, haunted the Los Angeles Dodgers once again. His two home runs were a stark reminder of his dominance at Chavez Ravine, where he has amassed an astounding five home runs in just five games this season. Walker’s presence at the plate seemed to cast a shadow over the Blue Crews’ dugout, a constant reminder of their vulnerability. “It’s a good place to hit, and I see the ball well,” Walker declared, his words dripping with confidence, a stark contrast to the growing unease within the Blue Crews’ ranks.
As if Walker’s heroics weren’t enough, the Boys in Blue now face the daunting task of overcoming Gallen, the DBacks’ ace who recently returned from a hamstring injury, serving with a dominant performance. Gallen’s presence on the mound adds another layer of complexity to the Dodgers’ already uphill battle—can they find a way to break through his seemingly impenetrable wall of pitches and reignite their faltering offense? The answer to this question could very well determine the fate of this series.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Los Angeles Dodgers’ final stand at Chavez Ravine beckons amidst the despair of losing Betts
On top of everything else, the absence of Mookie Betts sidelined with a fractured left hand, has undoubtedly weakened the Boys in Blue’s offensive arsenal. Betts, a perennial MVP candidate, leaves a void that is difficult to fill. Consequently, veteran Miguel Rojas has valiantly stepped up in Betts’ absence, providing stellar defense and timely hitting. However, as the saying goes, ‘You can’t replace a Mookie Betts.’ Indeed, the Los Angeles Dodgers’ struggles show how much they miss Betts and highlight his irreplaceable value to the team.
What’s your perspective on:
Freddie Freeman's frustration—Are the Dodgers squandering their talent this season?
Have an interesting take?
"Dad, how good was Mookie Betts?" pic.twitter.com/4crNObfj6h
— Baseball’s Greatest Moments (@BBGreatMoments) June 21, 2024
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Despite the gloom that currently hangs over Dodger Stadium, there is still a glimmer of hope that keeps lingering. After all, the blue team has a history of bouncing back from adversity and finding ways to overcome seemingly insurmountable challenges. Their manager, Dave Roberts, echoed this sentiment, stating, “We’re certainly better with Mookie, nobody would debate that, but guys have stepped up and guys are starting to play a little better.” Indeed, this resilience, this unwavering belief in their abilities, is what sets the Los Angeles Dodgers apart. Nevertheless, will it be enough to salvage this series?
Debate
Freddie Freeman's frustration—Are the Dodgers squandering their talent this season?