The Dodgers fall 3-2 to the Cardinals on Aug 5 after Yohel Pozo's 9th-inning RBI. A dominant Tyler Glasnow start and Freddie Freeman HR weren't enough.
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
It was a classic case of so close, yet so far. Despite a brilliant start from Tyler Glasnow and a game-tying blast from Freddie Freeman, the Dodgers couldn't seal the deal Tuesday night, falling 3-2 to the St. Louis Cardinals after a gut-punch RBI single in the top of the ninth inning.
7 innings, 2 runs, 9 strikeouts. A dominant, yet ultimately wasted, performance from starter Tyler Glasnow.
For seven innings, Tyler Glasnow was in complete command, baffling Cardinals hitters and striking out nine. The only real blemish was a solo shot by Masyn Winn in the second. Freddie Freeman answered back with a laser of his own in the fourth to tie the game, and it felt like a classic Dodger Stadium showdown destined for a dramatic finish. Unfortunately, the drama favored St. Louis. After Glasnow's departure, the game remained deadlocked until the ninth, when reliever Evan Phillips surrendered a pinch-hit single to Yohel Pozo, scoring the go-ahead run and silencing the home crowd. Despite a 1-for-4 night from Shohei Ohtani and Will Smith reaching base twice, the offense couldn't muster a final rally.
The day wasn't all bad news on the personnel front. The Dodgers welcomed back the power-hitting Max Muncy, activating him from the 10-day injured list after a bout with a minor oblique strain. His presence in the lineup is a critical boost for the stretch run. However, his return came at a cost. In a corresponding move, the versatile Tommy Edman was placed on the 10-day IL with a sprained ankle. Edman's ability to play multiple positions has been invaluable, and his absence will be felt across the diamond.
The front office continues to tinker with the fringes of the 40-man roster, always searching for an edge. In a move that saw them poach from their opponent, the Dodgers claimed first baseman Luken Baker off waivers from the Cardinals, designating pitcher Jack Little for assignment. Baker, who has shown significant power in the minor leagues, was immediately optioned to Triple-A Oklahoma City. It's a low-risk depth move aimed at providing another power bat option should the need arise as the playoff race heats up.
Every bullpen hiccup is magnified by the state of the team's pitching depth. The Dodgers are navigating the rest of the season without key arms like River Ryan (Tommy John), Gavin Stone (shoulder), and Michael Grove (shoulder labrum). While their recoveries are reportedly on track for 2026, their absence this year puts immense pressure on the current staff to perform, making late-game losses like tonight's sting just a little bit more.
Dropping to 65-48, this loss is a tough pill to swallow, especially given the stellar starting performance. But in the long grind of a 162-game season, the key is resilience. With Muncy back in the fold and the front office actively seeking improvements, the Dodgers have to shake this one off and come back tomorrow ready to even the series against the Cardinals. The marathon continues.
