Tanner Scott, the highly touted pitcher who joined the Dodgers on a staggering four-year, $72 million contract, faced the harsh reality of his struggles on the mound, allowing a decisive home run that sealed the game for Baltimore.
In a heart-stopping moment during the late innings, Scott, struggling to regain his form, threw a series of fastballs that culminated in a devastating swing from rookie catcher Samuel Basalo. With the count at one-two, Scott delivered a 97.7 mph fastball right down the middle, and Basalo—playing in only his 15th MLB game—did not hesitate. The ball soared 430 feet into the night, extinguishing any hopes of a Dodgers comeback and leaving Scott visibly frustrated.
“I have to figure it out because baseball hates me now,” Scott lamented in a postgame interview, his words a stark reflection of the pressure weighing heavily on him. This season has been a far cry from his stellar 2024 performance with the Miami Marlins and San Diego Padres, where he boasted a 1.75 ERA and 22 saves. Now, with an alarming 4.56 ERA, Scott’s inconsistency has put the Dodgers in a precarious position as they strive for playoff contention.
Manager Dave Roberts expressed disappointment in Scott’s pitch selection, particularly the critical pitch that led to Basalo’s home run. “He didn’t throw a good pitch. The guy threw a good swing,” Roberts stated, underscoring the need for Scott to adapt quickly. With the Dodgers now holding a 78-63 record, every game is crucial, and the pressure is mounting for Scott to rediscover his elite form before it’s too late.
As the Dodgers face an uphill battle in the final stretch of the season, fans are left wondering: Can Tanner Scott turn things around, or will Roberts be forced to seek alternatives to secure the team’s future? The urgency is palpable as the Dodgers fight to reclaim their footing in a race that could define their season.
