The Dodgers produced only five hits and two runs in the first two games of the series in San Diego. Manager Dave Roberts urged more situational hitting, emphasizing shortening swings and taking what pitchers give, citing examples from Manny Machado and Ramon Laureano. Roberts wants players who have produced in big games to collectively embrace situational approaches rather than relying solely on power. A Sunday win is required to reclaim first place in the NL West and to avoid a sweep, which would leave the Dodgers two games back with just over a month remaining in the regular season.
And Laureano tonight shortens up - and he's a dead pull guy - and blocked the ball the other way to drive in a couple runs. Just finding ways to create offense. And (the Padres pitchers) are good. So you have to take what the pitcher gives you and try to create something.
You can't always go for that big swing. You've got to kind of shorten up. I mean, we have it in there, and we do it at times. But just collectively, I just don't see us doing that collectively. ... So now it's just kind of getting the guys that have played important ballgames to kind of wrap their head around helping the ballclub.
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