SAN DIEGO — When the Dodgers signed Freddie Freeman in the offseason, a “best lineup ever?” graphic popped up on MLB Network. It was a valid question and something the entire baseball world was wondering.
Through 162 games, the Dodgers’ lineup proved to be the best in the league, and one of the best ever. They comfortably led the Majors with 847 runs. Los Angeles did it in different ways, not always relying on the homer, though it was the best in the National League at that, too.
The Dodgers have the star power at the top and the perfect complimentary pieces at the bottom. It’s the deepest lineup they’ve had during this dominant 10-year stretch. They have never shown any weaknesses offensively. Until now, and it has come at the worst possible time.
After winning a franchise-record 111 games during the regular season, the Dodgers will face elimination on Saturday following Friday’s 2-1 loss to the Padres in Game 3 of the National League Division Series at Petco Park.
Through three games, the story for the Dodgers has been the same. Their at-bats with runners in scoring position haven’t been up to their standards and they’ve failed to come up with timely hits.
The Dodgers put constant pressure on Blake Snell and the Padres’ bullpen in Game 3, but they went 0-for-9 with runners in scoring position. Dating back to Game 1, the Dodgers are now 0-for-their-last-19 in such situations, tying their worst streak of the season.
Tony Gonsolin got the start for the Dodgers, but the right-hander didn’t have much command in his second appearance since Aug. 23. Gonsolin’s night was done after allowing one run on four hits over 1 1/3 innings.
The Dodgers’ bullpen kept them in the game, allowing one run over 7 2/3 innings, but the offensive struggles were too much to overcome. That’ll have to right itself or the Dodgers’ season will end much sooner than anyone could have anticipated.