Dodgers’ Seven-Game Slide Extends After Edwin Diaz’s Walk-Off Blowup

On Friday night at Chase Field, the Arizona Diamondbacks rallied for a 4–3 victory over the Los Angeles Dodgers, handing L.A. its seventh consecutive defeat. Rookie outfielder Ryan Waldschmidt delivered a two-run walk-off homer off closer Edwin Diaz, who entered the ninth with a one-run lead. The loss left the Dodgers 69-47 overall and still 7½ games ahead of Arizona in the National League West.

Diamondbacks rookie Ryan Waldschmidt stuns Dodgers with walk-off home run ReutersDiamondbacks' Waldschmidt hits walkoff HR, Dodgers lose 7th straight Sports IllustratedReutersNew York PostThey lost again! The Dodgers fall into a shocking seven-game losing streak; despite Sasaki's strong pitching, they were defeated by Arizona as Diaz blew the save. ESPN

The Dodgers entered August as defending World Series champions. Since returning from elbow surgery on July 29, Diaz has posted an 11.00 ERA over 11 outings. The team has been outscored 46-25 in its last eight games and is 0-6 in August, including sweeps by Boston and Chicago, yet it retains a comfortable division lead.

USA Today

Arizona’s win was propelled by strong pitching and timely hitting. Merrill Kelly carried a no-hit bid into the sixth before exiting with a cramp; he allowed two hits, two walks and one run in six innings. The Diamondbacks have won seven of ten games since July 9 and sit second in the NL wild-card race at 62-55.

Reuters

• Dodgers’ losing streak: 7 games (longest this season)

USA Today

• Run differential in the streak: –21 (46 runs scored, 67 allowed)

Reuters

• Edwin Diaz’s season ERA: 11.00 (11 outings) – ESPN, Reuters

ESPN

• Waldschmidt’s walk-off homer distance: 411 ft, left-center field

Sports Illustrated

• Kelly’s line: 5 2/3 innings, 2 hits, 2 walks, 1 run

Reuters

• Dodgers’ NL West lead: 7½ games over the Diamondbacks

USA Today

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said the loss is painful but does not change the team’s outlook, emphasizing the need for better execution. The organization added left-hander Tarik Skubal at the trade deadline and expects Blake Snell to return to the rotation soon (USAToday, ESPN).

USA Today

Arizona’s staff noted the “dog-days” challenge of August, with reliever Brandyn Garcia commenting on maintaining momentum after the All-Star break.

Arizona Republic

• “Honestly, you've got to look at the options," Roberts said.” — Dave Roberts

ESPN

• “I hit it and I was going to try and get to third.” — Ryan Waldschmidt

Sports Illustrated

• “I’m a big league pitcher so gotta make pitches,” — Edwin Diaz

New York Post

The Dodgers will host the Diamondbacks for the final two games of the series on August 8-9. Roberts indicated the team will focus on “playing better” while evaluating bullpen options. The outcomes could affect the timing of any bullpen adjustments before the postseason.

Bleacher Report