PAHNA – Los Angeles | August 8, 2026
The Los Angeles Dodgers are going through one of their most difficult stretches of the 2026 regular season after losing seven consecutive games.
The latest setback came Friday night in Phoenix, where the Arizona Diamondbacks defeated Los Angeles 4–3 on a two-run, walk-off home run by Ryan Waldschmidt in the bottom of the ninth inning.
According to the Los Angeles Times, Dodgers closer Edwin Díaz allowed a leadoff walk before Waldschmidt hit a two-run homer to left-center field, ending the game and extending Los Angeles’ losing streak to a season-high seven games. (Los Angeles Times)
The Dodgers had managed to take the lead late in the game. Andy Pages hit a solo home run in the eighth inning to put Los Angeles ahead, but the bullpen could not protect the advantage.
The defeat also reduced the Dodgers’ lead in the National League West. According to the Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles entered the game with a 69–47 record and remained in first place, but its advantage over second-place Arizona had fallen to 7.5 games. (Los Angeles Times)
The losing streak has been particularly notable because the Dodgers entered the week among the strongest teams in Major League Baseball. Their recent slide has raised questions about their bullpen, offensive consistency and ability to maintain their position at the top of the division.
Starting pitcher Roki Sasaki gave the Dodgers six innings and allowed two runs. The Dodgers then rallied late, but their inability to close out the game once again proved costly.
Díaz, who returned this season after undergoing arthroscopic elbow surgery, recorded his first blown save since returning from the injured list. The Los Angeles Times reported that he has allowed runs in three of his last four appearances. (Los Angeles Times)
Despite the recent struggles, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts has indicated that the team is not making immediate changes to its bullpen roles. The club is instead looking for its pitchers to regain the form they showed earlier in the season.
The Dodgers will now look to stop the losing streak and protect their position in the National League West as the regular season enters an increasingly important stage.
