One Pitch, One Swing, One Gut Punch: Vesia’s Misfire Costs Dodgers the Sweep
Alex Vesia’s ninth-inning collapse ends the Dodgers’ sweep hopes as bullpen concerns grow deeper in tight NL West race.
August 13 EST: The crack of the bat told the story before the ball even cleared the fence. Ernie Clement, a utility man with more grit than glamor, turned on a first-pitch fastball from Alex Vesia and sent it soaring into the evening sky above Chavez Ravine. As the ball disappeared beyond the left field wall, so did the Dodgers’ shot at a sweep, and Vesia’s night hell, maybe his week crumbled in the blink of an eye.
You could feel the air leave the stadium.
A Thriller With a Cruel Ending
It had all the makings of a classic. Shohei Ohtani came out swinging, launching his 41st home run into the night like he was built from a different blueprint. The Dodgers clawed, fought, and held the Blue Jays in check. And then came the ninth 4–4, crowd on its feet, tension thick.
And Dave Roberts didn’t hesitate. He handed the ball to Vesia. The same lefty who’s been nails all season. A strikeout machine. A guy with ice in his veins.
Except not this time.
One pitch. Fastball. Middle of the zone.
Boom.
Game.
From Hero to Question Mark in Two Appearances
Look, no one’s here to bury Alex Vesia. He’s been rock-solid for most of 2025. He came into this game with an ERA around 2.61, a WHIP below 1.00, and enough strikeouts to fill a starter’s stat line. But baseball’s a brutal business, especially when you live in the bullpen.
This was Vesia’s second straight game wearing the “L.” Not just any losses, either game-deciders. Gut-check moments. And the gut’s checking back with some concern.
In the last week? ERA of 7.71. WHIP? A bloated 2.57. These aren’t your typical late-season blips. These are flashing red lights for a Dodgers bullpen that’s already juggling roles like a Vegas act.
The Dodgers Are Good, But the Margin Is Thin
The National League West is no picnic. The Dodgers are clinging to their spot atop the standings, but it’s a knife fight every night. And when the bullpen cracks when your most trusted lefty gives up back-to-back heartbreakers it’s fair to ask some hard questions.
Is Vesia just in a slump, or is the pressure starting to show? Can he keep his head while the world’s watching, knowing the ninth inning might come down to him again tomorrow?
Because here’s the truth: in October, one pitch can end your season. Ask any Dodgers fan. They’ve lived it.
Fantasy Hype Meets Real-Life Pain
For fantasy managers, Vesia’s still a name to watch. He’s part of the save-share shuffle in LA, a reliever with legit strikeout juice and a role that occasionally puts him in line for ninth-inning glory. According to ESPN, he’s still on their “relievers to watch” list.
But watching ain’t always believing.
The Dodgers don’t need fantasy upside. They need firemen. Stoppers. Guys who can take a one-run lead and put it in a vault.
That’s what Vesia looked like in June.
Not so much now.
What Happens Next?
Maybe this is just a hiccup. Maybe Vesia brushes off the homer and comes back with two clean innings against the Diamondbacks. Maybe this becomes a footnote in a season where he saves two postseason games.
Or maybe Dave Roberts starts looking elsewhere in the ninth.
The return of Evan Phillips looms large. The rise of fringe arms like Jack Dreyer and Ben Casparius adds fuel to the bullpen fire. If Vesia stumbles again, Roberts won’t blink. October’s coming, and sentiment doesn’t save games.
Still, let’s not forget the full picture. Vesia’s not some scrub who got lucky. He’s earned this trust. He’s been the dude. And in baseball where failure is baked into the job sometimes you wear one.
But make no mistake: if the Dodgers are going to dance deep into October, Alex Vesia needs to be part of the reason why, not a what-if they carry into winter.
For now? One pitch. One swing. One bitter loss.
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A former college-level cricketer and lifelong sports enthusiast, Arun Upadhayay brings the heart of an athlete to the sharp eye of a journalist. With firsthand experience in competitive sports and a deep understanding of team dynamics, Arun covers everything from grassroots tournaments to high-stakes international showdowns. His reporting blends field-level grit with analytical precision, making him a trusted voice for sports fans across New Jersey and beyond.
