Dodgers' struggling offense to blame for losing streak

After being swept by the Cincinnati Reds over the weekend, the Los Angeles Dodgers extended their losing streak to five games. 

It is the longest losing streak for the Dodgers since 2019 when the team lost six in a row. 

However, the losing streak didn't come without warning as the offense has been mired in a slump against the fastball since May 10. 

In the two weeks heading into Sunday's game, Los Angeles was hitting just .197 against four-seam fastballs, the fifth-worst in the majors during that span. The team's overall batting average in that span was .215.

The team has also not hit well with runners in scoring position. Batters have gone 27-135 with RISP in the past 17 games, good for a .200 batting average. Over the losing streak, they have only hit .128, going 6-47. 

“When you're not hitting, it certainly seems lifeless,” manager Dave Roberts said after getting swept. “I know it’s not from care and preparation. But the bottom line is it's about results, and we're not getting them right now."

Even with the team's current poor performance, they are still 33-22 on the season and have a 5.5-game lead in the National League West.

With the Dodgers game against the New York Mets on Monday postponed due to inclement weather, they will look to get the offense jumpstarted with a doubleheader on Tuesday.