Dodgers fall to Diamondbacks on walk-off homer, seventh straight loss

Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Edwin Diaz gave up a two-run, walk-off home run to rookie Ryan Waldschmidt, and the Arizona Diamondbacks won 4-3 on Friday night, marking the Dodgers' seventh consecutive defeat.

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said the loss was disappointing, noting the team "didn't play a clean game" and was unable to finish the win.

Diaz, a three-time All-Star, has posted an 11.00 ERA over 11 appearances this season and has struggled since returning from the injured list on July 29. He attributed the pitch that was hit to a missed slider, saying, "I missed the slider right in the middle. I've got to be better."

Despite the recent slump, the Dodgers remain atop the National League West, holding a 7½-game lead over the Diamondbacks. The team has a 10-16 record since July 5 and was recently swept by the Boston Red Sox and Chicago Cubs.

Roberts said the club is evaluating its options on the closer role but sees no clear alternative at the moment. He emphasized that the team must simply improve its play, adding that the standings matter but the talent on the roster should allow the Dodgers to rebound.

The Dodgers recently acquired left-hander Tarik Skubal in a trade with the Detroit Tigers, and two-time Cy Young winner Blake Snell is expected to return on Tuesday after missing most of the season with injuries. The lineup still features stars such as Shohei Ohtani, Freddie Freeman, Mookie Betts and Kyle Tucker.