Dodgers' Starting Pitching Melts Down in a Fashion Never Seen Before in NLDS Sweep

As the Los Angeles Dodgers were swept by the Arizona Diamondbacks in the NLDS, the starting pitching was historically bad.

The Los Angeles Dodgers were swept by the Arizona Diamondbacks in the National League Division Series on Wednesday night.

The 4-2 loss marked the end of a great season for Los Angeles, who won 100 games in the regular season.

While the Dodgers' vaunted offense went cold and deserves some blame, it's the Dodgers' starting pitching that deserves most of the blame, as it was historically bad.

Per ESPN Stats & Info:

Dodgers starters have thrown just 4 2/3 IP in three games against the D-backs in the NLDS. That's the fewest IP by starting pitchers in the first 3 games of a series in MLB postseason history, according to @EliasSports

Dodgers starters have thrown just 4 2/3 IP in three games against the D-backs in the NLDS. That's the fewest IP by starting pitchers in the first 3 games of a series in MLB postseason history, according to @EliasSports. pic.twitter.com/2I5uOgcIwa

— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) October 12, 2023

In Game 1, future Hall of Famer Clayton Kershaw lasted just 0.1 innings. He allowed six earned runs.

In Game 2, rookie Bobby Miller tossed just 1.2 innings, allowing three earned runs.

And in Game 3, veteran Lance Lynn was lit up, allowing four earned runs in 2.2 innings.

It's fair to note that the Dodgers dealt with several pitching injuries this season. Walker Buehler, Dustin May and Tony Gonsolin each suffered season-ending injuries. Julio Urias was injured during the season and then was placed on the restricted list, rendering him unavailable for the playoffs.

Los Angeles figures to be good again next year, but there are certainly questions about the future. Guys like Freddie Freeman and Max Muncy are in their mid-30s. Kershaw is aging as well and doesn't appear to be a true ace that can carry a rotation for a full season anymore.

And how about Dave Roberts as manager? Despite repeated regular season dominance, the Dodgers have only one title - the COVID 2020 crown.

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