Dodgers Suffer Late Collapse, Fall 7-4 to Guardians

CLEVELAND — The Los Angeles Dodgers fell apart in the late innings, losing 7-4 to the Cleveland Guardians on Wednesday, May 28, 2025. Despite a strong start by Clayton Kershaw, the Dodgers couldn’t hold onto a three-run lead as their bullpen struggled late in the game.

Initially, rain had threatened to ruin the game, but the weather cooperated enough for the teams to play. Manager Dave Roberts noted the frustration of the defeat. “It’s tough and, I guess, frustrating,” said Roberts. “It’s still a .500 road trip, but losing this one kind of how we did… We’ve got to win these games when we get a good start from a starter.”

The Dodgers now lead the majors in innings pitched by relievers, but their bullpen has struggled, posting a 3.98 ERA this season. In the last month, however, that number has climbed to 4.79. “The bullpen’s the bullpen, man,” said relief pitcher Alex Vesia. “I feel like we go through that every year.”

Despite the bullpen woes, Kershaw pitched well, allowing only one run in five innings. However, his troubling mechanics early in the game hampered his performance. “I’m fighting some stuff mechanically,” Kershaw admitted. “I was able to make a few pitches to get through five but obviously wasn’t pitching good enough.”

The turning point came in the eighth inning when the Dodgers’ relievers allowed five runs. Tanner Scott faced trouble as the Guardians loaded the bases, leading to a game-tying two-run single by Nolan Jones. Vesia came in but then surrendered a three-run homer to Angel Martinez, sealing the Dodgers’ fate.

With this loss, the Dodgers wrapped up a disappointing road trip. “When you get count leverage, we’re just not able to put guys away with the strikeout,” Roberts explained. The defeat was particularly painful as it marked Scott’s fifth blown save of the season and the third in just five appearances.

The Guardians’ dramatic comeback overshadowed Kershaw’s effort, and the Dodgers will look to bounce back in their next game.