Dave Roberts points out Shohei Ohtani’s mistakes

The Los Angeles Dodgers failed to complete a sweep of the Blue Jays after dropping the final game of the series on Sunday at Chavez Ravine, falling 5-4. The Dodgers should not have lost that game, but costly mistakes — particularly two by superstar Shohei Ohtani — proved decisive.

The Dodgers collected 10 hits and drew 13 walks, but went just 1-for-10 with runners in scoring position and stranded 16 men on base — a stat that visibly frustrated manager Dave Roberts. He pointed to two crucial errors by Ohtani that, in his view, cost the team the game.

In the ninth inning, the reigning National League MVP faced rookie pitcher Mason Fluharty with a chance to flip the score in the Dodgers’ favor. Ohtani and the left-hander battled through a nine-pitch at-bat, but the Japanese star struck out chasing a pitch that would have been ball four.

Dave Roberts comments on Ohtani’s poor at-bat

“The last thing I thought would happen was him striking out,” Roberts said. “At that point, we needed to produce. Chasing a low pitch is something we just can’t do.”

Earlier in the game, with the Dodgers leading 3-2, Ohtani tried to steal third base with runners on and two outs in the sixth inning. He was thrown out, and Roberts felt it was the wrong move in that situation.

“That was his decision. It was not a good baseball play,” the manager said.

Even so, Roberts admitted he’s not above criticism himself, after failing to get the ball in play in the bottom of the ninth.

The Dodgers will have to turn the page and focus on the series against the Angels before hosting the San Diego Padres.

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