Dodgers Interview: Roberts Praises Conforto’s Breakthrough, Bullpen’s Resolve After Dramatic Win Over Mets

LOS ANGELES — Dodgers manager Dave Roberts wore a wide smile in his postgame media session Wednesday, and for good reason. His team had just stormed back from a 4–0 hole to beat the Mets 6–5, splitting the series and capping a gritty homestand with a late-inning comeback fueled by resilience, savvy managing—and finally, a clutch swing from Michael Conforto.

Asked about the magnitude of Conforto’s game-winning RBI single in the eighth, Roberts didn’t hold back on what it meant for the outfielder or the team.

“Guys were certainly cheering for him, feeling the love and the support,” Roberts said. “He’s been going through it, and I think it’s a huge exhale for him—hopefully a turning point.”

Conforto’s go-ahead hit, a sharp liner to left that scored Andy Pages, broke a long-standing slump with runners in scoring position and gave the Dodgers their first lead of the afternoon. For Roberts, it was the kind of moment that could unlock something bigger.

“You know, we haven’t seen that line drive to left field in quite some time,” Roberts noted. “That speaks to a direct path through the ball and staying in the hitting zone for a long time. That’s a really good sign.”

Confidence Building in the Bullpen

Roberts also took time to highlight the work of his bullpen, especially left-hander Tanner Scott, who recorded a clean ninth inning with two strikeouts to earn the save.

“I do feel like Tanner’s starting to turn the corner,” Roberts said. “There’s more life on the fastball, and you’re seeing swing-and-miss again. Earlier this year, there was more contact—some hard contact—but his last couple outings have been different.”

José Ureña and Jack Dreyer also received praise for navigating dangerous innings in relief of Landon Knack, who was tagged for four runs, including three home runs, in just over three innings. Ureña’s eighth-inning pickoff of Starling Marte at third—set up by catcher Will Smith and third baseman Miguel Rojas—was a turning point.

“That was (bench coach) Bob Geren and Miguel Rojas kind of talking it through,” Roberts said. “That back-pick was obviously huge.”

Smith Swinging Like an All-Star

Will Smith continued his torrid stretch at the plate, going 2-for-4 with an RBI double and a run scored. He finished the series 7-for-17 and, according to Roberts, could easily have had more.

“There are a few lineouts in there too,” Roberts said. “He’s just swinging the bat really well, playing with a lot of confidence. He’s playing like an All-Star.”

Dodgers Making Opposing Bullpens Work

After struggling to figure out Mets starter David Peterson early, the Dodgers once again found a way to do damage against New York’s bullpen. Reed Garrett, who entered with a sub-1.00 ERA, took the loss and blew the save, issuing two walks and giving up the decisive hit to Conforto.

“We’ve been able to mount some rallies against bullpens lately,” Roberts said. “There’ve been some walks that have helped us build innings. When you give teams free passes, runs usually follow—as you saw today.”

A Gritty Win During a Grueling Stretch

Wednesday’s win came in the middle of a 29-game stretch against competitive teams, and Roberts acknowledged how much one-run victories like this can help morale.

“These kinds of games do weigh more during a stretch like this,” Roberts admitted. “When you come out on top, it takes the sting out of the grind. When you don’t, it cuts deeper.”

Looking ahead, Roberts confirmed that right-hander Justin Wrobleski will start Friday’s opener in St. Louis. The Cardinals have been playing well, but Roberts expressed confidence in his team’s trajectory.

“I like where we’re at,” he said. “We’ve been battle-tested. Now it’s just about getting healthy and winning as many games as we can.”

If Conforto’s clutch swing was indeed a turning point, as Roberts hopes, then Wednesday’s win might mark more than just a series split—it could be the start of something bigger.

Have you subscribed to the Bleed Los Podcast YouTube channel? Be sure to ring the notification bell to watch player interviews, participate in shows & promotions, and stay up to date on all Dodgers news and rumors!