Dodgers Interview: Roberts on the grueling, soggy win in Queens
"A Lot to Unpack, But It Feels a Lot Better with a Win"
QUEENS, NY — After a grueling, rain-delayed, 13-inning marathon at Citi Field, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts met with reporters to break down a game that tested every corner of the roster—and every ounce of patience.
“It was… I mean obviously it’s not the way we envisioned it,” Roberts said of the 7–5 win over the Mets. “Both pens were taxed. Used everyone essentially available on both sides. But for us ultimately to come away with the win—it feels a lot better.”
The game began under ominous skies and was interrupted by a 1-hour, 38-minute rain delay just two innings in, cutting short Clayton Kershaw’s night and forcing the Dodgers’ bullpen to cover 11 innings.
“You almost sort of go in playoff mode in the sense of trying to count outs and figure out how you can maximize your arms,” Roberts explained. “Even coming into the series, we were pretty taxed. So the guys did a fantastic job.”
Roberts admitted they expected a four- or five-inning outing from Kershaw, calling it a “quality start” scenario that was undone by the weather. “It was good that we caught a lead,” he said. “But, you know, gave it up in the ninth—and found a way to persevere.”
On the decision to start the game rather than delay first pitch, Roberts said, “There was [discussion], but I think the information we got was that we were going to be able to get a few innings in before the heavy stuff came. They felt that was the best way to go.”
The long night had a ripple effect on the team’s pitching plans. Roberts confirmed that Tony Gonsolin would start Saturday’s game but added that the club was still “contemplating” backup options to provide length. “We’re trying to figure out if we need some type of length tomorrow,” he said.
Despite the heavy bullpen usage, Roberts was encouraged by what he saw. “There’s a lot of good things from our pen today. Certainly from Luis [García] and Bond [Anthony Banda] right there, and obviously Caspie [Ben Casparius] continues to be good.”
Tanner Scott, who gave up the game-tying rally in the 9th, was pitching for the third time in four days. Roberts stood by the decision. “It wasn’t too difficult. He’s strong, takes care of himself, and the stuff was good… The other guys had been used a lot more than he has.”
Still, Roberts acknowledged Scott hasn’t been as sharp recently. “The slider was up a little bit… the fastball’s been up belt-high at times… it just seems like when there is a mistake, they find some outfield grass or put a good swing on it.”
Scott will be down for Saturday, but Roberts made it clear: “He’s our guy… we’ll kind of see where he is on Sunday.”
The night even had some rulebook theatrics. Bench coach Bob Geren, Roberts joked, was “in rare form,” referencing Trip Gibson’s unusual “visual obstruction” call. “He called it twice. Once on us, once on them… At least he was consistent.”
As for Shohei Ohtani’s planned throwing session Saturday? “We’re going to cancel that,” Roberts said. “We all need sleep.”
Sleep, indeed. After a night like that, the Dodgers earned it.
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