Reds End Dodgers’ Streak Of Allowing 4-Runs Or Fewer At 22 Games

The Los Angeles Dodgers hosted the Cincinnati Reds at Dodger Stadium on Thursday with Tyler Glasnow on the mound, but they took a difficult 7-2 loss.

Although it was just a game in the middle of May, it had some extra disappointment behind it as it officially snapped a Dodgers’ record streak. Prior to the game, the Dodgers played 22 straight games allowing four runs or fewer, which set a franchise record that was previously 17 games.

“It’s been impressive. We’ve got great starting pitching, clearly,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said of the streak. “And the guys in the bullpen have all stepped up, and they stepped up tonight. We gave up more than four runs, but I still thought both those guys stepped up tonight.

“But the run that we were on, as far as preventing runs, certainly hasn’t happened in quite some time, certainly for the Dodgers. And it’s a lot of people that get a lot of credit. And also we played good defense too.”

The Dodgers’ streak of allowing four runs or fewer began on April 21 and lasted until May 16, going nearly a month with elite pitching.

The longest such streak in the live ball era (since 1920) was set by the Cleveland Guardians in 2017 with 25 consecutive games, and only two other teams have reached 23 games in that same time span, the 2010 Giants and 1972 Chicago Cubs.

The longest streak in MLB history is a tie between the 1916 New York Giants and 1909 Chicago Cubs as both reached 29 games, while the Guardians are in third place. Three other teams reached 24 games, the 1917 and 1906 Chicago White Sox, and the 1916 Boston Red Sox.

Although it came to an end before they were able to set the record, it was quite an impressive accomplishment for the Dodgers.

Dodgers relying on ‘next man up’ in bullpen

The Dodgers have dealt with multiple injuries, including to some of their top relievers. Evan Phillips, Brusdar Graterol, Joe Kelly and Ryan Brasier are all on the 15-day injured list, while Blake Treinen just recently returned.

While that would create issues for most teams, the Dodgers have seen their bullpen thrive. Roberts credited the pitchers for stepping up and taking advantage of their opportunities.