The Los Angeles Dodgers didn’t quite look like themselves last week.
After sweeping the San Diego Padres at Dodger Stadium, a four-game set against the Colorado Rockies was far from what anyone expected the World Series champions to produce.
Splitting a series against the only team in baseball to be mathematically eliminated from the postseason was concerning, but dropping the first two games against the Padres immediately after — and in turn, losing the top spot in the NL West — was just as worrisome.
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A shift in the offense’s mindset not only helped the team as a whole, but a veteran left fielder who has barely shown signs of life at the plate. After a resounding victory over the Padres before leaving Petco Park — and blanking the Cincinnati Reds, 7-0, on Monday — Michael Conforto spoke on what the new results have been like.
“The past few days have been great,” Conforto said of the team. “I think just a little switch in mentality. Less about slugging the ball, more about grinding at-bats and being ready to hit. When you get your pitch, finish the at-bat, and just controlling the zone a little bit. Like I said, the past two days have been better, and we’re looking to keep that rolling, for sure.”
Conforto had a pair of hits and a walk during the two victories, and is looking to improve upon his .187 batting average he has posted thus far in a career-worst year at the plate.
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Manager Dave Roberts spoke about the on-field product he saw as a result of the mindset shift, specifically during the win against the Reds.
“I thought the offensive at-bats, one through nine, were great,” Roberts said. “It’s probably one of the better games, complete games that we’ve played in months, for me.”
The Dodgers retook sole possession of first place with Monday night’s win and the Padres’ loss to the Seattle Mariners.
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Photo Credit: David Richard-Imagn Images
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