Full Breakdown
Justin Wrobleski’s Back-to-Back Four-Home-Run Starts Extend Dodgers’ Losing Streak
8/4/2026, 12:03:41 PM
Core Event
On Monday night at Wrigley Field, the Los Angeles Dodgers fell 10–5 to the Chicago Cubs. Left-hander Justin Wrobleski was removed after 4 1/3 innings, having surrendered seven runs on seven hits, three walks and four home runs. The loss tied the Dodgers’ season-high four-game skid.
Background & Context
The Dodgers entered the weekend with a roster bolstered by the trade-deadline acquisitions of Cy Young winner Tarik Skubal, catcher Ben Rortvedt, and 2025 All-Star Kris Bubic. Despite that talent, the team had just been swept by the Boston Red Sox and was seeking a reset against the Cubs. Wrobleski, an All-Star with a 3.31 ERA after the start, had previously delivered a strong performance against the Seattle Mariners, but that outing also featured four home runs allowed.
Data & Statistics
- Wrobleski’s line: 4 1/3 IP, 7 H, 7 R (4 ER), 3 BB, 4 HR, 4 K.
- Dodgers record: 69-44; Cubs record: 64-49.
- Wrobleski’s season stats: 11-3 record, ERA risen from 2.62 to 3.31, first career All-Star nod.
- Home runs allowed: Seiya Suzuki (2-run, 1st inning), Kevin Alcántara (2-run, 2nd), Carson Kelly (2-run, 3rd), Michael Busch (solo, 5th).
- Dodgers offense: three runs in the first inning, Teoscar Hernández solo homer in the sixth (443 ft).
Official Statements & Responses
Wrobleski himself expressed frustration, noting that “overall, just didn’t throw the ball well enough today, obviously,” and that he was “pretty frustrated these last two” outings, vowing to “continue working and get better.”
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Roberts acknowledged the need to examine a potential tipping issue but offered no definitive assessment, leaving the matter unresolved. No independent verification of pitch-tipping has been presented, and the Dodgers have not disclosed any specific investigative findings.
Verbatim Quotes
- “It just seemed like they were on everything,” — Dave Roberts, ball to manager
- “Overall, just didn’t throw the ball well enough today, obviously,” — Justin Wrobleski
- “I think sometimes teams are gonna have, honestly, good swings off you,” — Justin Wrobleski
- “I think last week, some of [the home run pitches] were better pitches than this week,” — Justin Wrobleski
What’s Next
The Dodgers aim to halt the skid with Tarik Skubal’s first start for Los Angeles on Tuesday night, while the Cubs will counter with right-hander Javier Assad. Both teams seek to build momentum as the season approaches its playoff stretch.
