Aaron Harang leaks runs as Los Angeles Dodgers face 2-3 defeat against Arizona Diamondbacks-MLB
Starter Aaron Harang leaks runs in the sixth to hand the Los Angeles Dodgers a 2-3 defeat against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field, Phoenix, Arizona on September 12, 2012 in the second match of the two game series.
Dodgers failed to protect their lead after posting it in the first inning. With a double by first baseman Adrian Gonzalez, they scored two runs. From there onward Dodgers needed to build on their lead.
Far from this, the beginning of their decline started. By allowing one run in the second to the Diamondbacks, they helped them reduce the deficit and made it easier for the opposition to bounce back late in the innings.
Unable to add runs on the scoreboard, the Dodgers provided Diamondbacks an opportunity to strike a couple of hits and clinch the victory.
No wonder when the Diamondbacks rallied for two runs in the sixth they left little chance for the Dodgers to come back into the game.
Harang started for the Dodgers on Wednesday. He leaked three runs in little more than five innings and struck-out three. Apart from the runs that he gave up, his control was awry in the match as is indicated by four batters he walked.
He rightly suffered the loss because before he surrendered singles and cost the runs as the Dodgers were in a position to win.
Dodgers’ manager Don Mattingly is of the view that their dismal performance has permitted other teams to enter into contention. However he is confident that they can improve sharply within the next few games and keep their second position on the table intact.
"I'm sure people are getting tired of hearing me say it, but we have to turn the page," Don Mattingly said. "St. Louis and ourselves, we have let a lot of people back in the race -- but it's still in our hands. No matter how bad it has looked and no matter
where it has been, it's still right there for us."
The two game series has concluded now. For the Dodgers it has left many lessons to be learnt.
It will be interesting to see how the Dodgers will take them and whether substantive improvements come about in the team or not.
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