Steve Webb
Game 130, 8/24/2024: Dodgers 8, Rays 9 (10)
CHAVEZ RAVINE, CA — The Dodgers had no business winning this game. And in the end they didn’t. After they fell way behind early, they fought hard to take the lead, but ultimately gave it back in a dramatic extra-inning showdown against the Tampa Bay Rays, losing 9-8 in 10 innings at Dodger Stadium. Despite the strong comeback, the Dodgers’ high-leverage bullpen could not hold off the Rays’ persistent offense.
The game started roughly for Dodgers starter Clayton Kershaw, who gave up four runs in the first inning. The Rays capitalized on some sharp hitting, with Junior Caminero and Christopher Morel contributing key RBIs that put the Dodgers in an early hole. The Dodgers struggled to find their footing initially, but Shohei Ohtani managed a single in the bottom of the first, only to have Mookie Betts hit into a double play that ended any early momentum.
The Rays extended their lead to 5-3 by the fifth inning, but the Dodgers showed resilience. In the bottom of the fifth, Miguel Rojas hit a single to drive in Max Muncy, bringing the score to 5-4. Then, Ohtani launched a two-run home run, his 41st of the season, to right field, giving the Dodgers a 6-5 lead and electrifying the crowd.
The Dodgers’ bullpen initially held strong, with Ryan Brasier and Blake Treinen combining to keep the Rays scoreless through the sixth and seventh innings. However, in the bottom of the seventh, Miguel Rojas hit a solo homer to left field, extending the Dodgers’ lead to 7-5. The team seemed to be in control, with the bullpen holding the line.
However, the Rays were not done. In the top of the eighth, Josh Lowe led off with a single, and José Caballero doubled off Michael Kopech, putting runners in scoring position. A flyout by Yandy Díaz allowed Lowe to score, narrowing the Dodgers’ lead to 7-6. It could have been a lot worse, but some poor baserunning led to a second out as Alex Jackson tried to take second and was thrown out by Teoscar Hernandez. However, the tension in the stadium remanined palpable as the Rays continued to threaten.
The Dodgers managed to escape the eighth inning with their lead intact, but the ninth inning brought heartbreak. Evan Phillips, who had been reliable all season, gave up a solo home run to Caminero, his second of the series, which tied the game at 7-7 and sent it into extra innings.
In the 10th inning, the Rays once again took the lead with a two-run homer by Caballero off Joe Kelly, putting them up 9-7. The Dodgers tried to rally in the bottom of the 10th, with Betts driving in a run on a sac fly to make it 9-8, but they could not complete the comeback. Kelly took the loss, while Michael Rodríguez earned the win for the Rays, and Garrett Cleavinger recorded his fourth save.
The Dodgers’ bullpen, which had been a strength throughout much of the season, faltered at a crucial moment, allowing the Rays to capitalize on their opportunities and secure the win. The loss underscores the importance of closing out games, especially as the Dodgers continue their push toward the postseason. Despite the setback, the Dodgers showed grit and determination, qualities they will need to rely on in the remaining games of the season.
With the series knotted at a game apiece, the Dodgers look to win the finale on Sunday afternoon. Gavin Stone takes to the mound for the Boys in Blue. No starter yet announced for the Rays, as Shane Boz was a late scratch due to illness. Game time 1:10 PDT. Then, the Dodgers wrap up their homestand with the Baltimore Orioles, who have been scuffling a bit in the second half of the season. After that, it’s September baseball and the stretch run. Stay tuned for all our content as the Dodgers push for the Division Crown, the pennant, and beyond!
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