The Los Angeles Dodgers suffered a devastating 6-4 walk-off loss to the Miami Marlins on Sunday, squandering a late lead and missing an opportunity to clinch a playoff berth.
Dodgers reliever Tanner Scott entered the bottom of the eighth inning with a two-run lead but faltered in the ninth. After intentionally walking one batter, Scott gave up an infield single, a bunt single, and a two-run double, allowing the Marlins to tie the game. He was subsequently removed from the game.
Agustín Ramírez then hit a walk-off home run off reliever Brock Stewart in the next at-bat, securing the win for Miami and completing the series comeback for the Marlins.
The loss halted the Dodgers' chance to potentially secure a playoff spot on Sunday, although they still required losses from the Arizona Diamondbacks or San Diego Padres to do so. The outing also marked a continuation of bullpen struggles that have plagued the team throughout the season.
Earlier in the game, Dodgers starter Emmet Sheehan delivered six scoreless innings, and rookie Josue De Paula hit a three-run home run, his first career hit, in the fourth inning. However, these strong performances were overshadowed by the bullpen's late-game collapse.
This latest implosion adds to existing concerns about the Dodgers' relief pitching as the team approaches the playoffs. Scott, who has recorded 26 save opportunities this season, saw his fourth blown save. This outing marked the sixth time in his last 11 appearances that he allowed a run.
The Marlins scored their first two runs in the eighth inning against another high-leverage reliever, Edgardo Henriquez, before Scott entered the game.
The Dodgers' bullpen has been a significant question mark throughout the season, and its performance in crucial games continues to draw scrutiny.