The Dodgers disappointed earlier this week when they split a two-game series in Los Angeles against the villainous Houston Astros. Since the All-Star break, the Dodgers own a 9-9 record. Playing .500 baseball is not going to push them to their ninth consecutive division title.
Not when the Giants are playing this well.
The Giants 3-1 loss to the lowly Diamondbacks on Tuesday provided an incredible opportunity for the Dodgers to pick up a game in the standings. Instead, Astros starter Lance McCullers pitched a gem as the Dodgers offense sputtered.