The Los Angeles Dodgers' bid to clinch the National League West title was put on hold Saturday following a 4-3 defeat to the Miami Marlins. The loss ended the Dodgers' season-long eight-game winning streak and left their magic number to secure the division title at four.
The Dodgers had an opportunity to celebrate their championship in Miami over the weekend, but the defeat means they will have to wait at least until Sunday to potentially punch their playoff ticket at loanDepot Park. Their playoff berth, which would be their 14th consecutive MLB postseason appearance, is also now on hold until Sunday at the earliest.
Miami's Graham Pauley hit a two-run homer in the second inning, and the Marlins added a third run on three consecutive singles. The Dodgers' early two-run lead, established by back-to-back home runs from Mookie Betts and Max Muncy in the first inning, was erased. The Marlins extended their lead to 4-2 in the fifth inning after a throwing error by Betts with the bases loaded.
Dodgers starting pitcher Tyler Glasnow struggled for the second consecutive start, allowing three runs in the second inning and being removed after issuing back-to-back walks to begin the fifth. His four-plus innings marked his shortest outing of the season, excluding a start in May where he left due to back spasms. The four runs allowed were also significant, marking only the second time in his Dodgers career that he has surrendered at least four runs in consecutive starts.
The Dodgers' offense was quiet for much of the game, managing only four hits. Freddie Freeman returned to the lineup after a knee injury but went 0-for-4. The team scored a single run in the ninth inning on a two-out RBI single from Hunter Feduccia, but it was not enough to overcome the deficit. The Dodgers will look to secure their playoff spot on Sunday against the Marlins before heading to Cincinnati next week.