The Dodgers’ Max Muncy sits on the ground after being tagged out by Minnesota Twins catcher Ryan Jeffers on a botched double-steal attempt during the fourth inning on Tuesday night at Dodger Stadium. (Photo by David Crane, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
Dodgers starting pitcher Clayton Kershaw throws to the plate during their game against the Minnesota Twins on Tuesday night at Dodger Stadium. (Photo by David Crane, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
The Minnesota Twins’ Donovan Solano celebrates at second base after hitting a double during the first inning of their game against the Dodgers on Tuesday night at Dodger Stadium. (Photo by David Crane, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
Dodgers starting pitcher Clayton Kershaw throws to the plate during the first inning of their game against the Minnesota Twins on Tuesday night at Dodger Stadium. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
The Minnesota Twins’ Donovan Solano is greeted by teammates in the dugout after scoring during the first inning of their game against the Dodgers on Tuesday night at Dodger Stadium. (Photo by David Crane, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
The Minnesota Twins’ Donovan Solano, center, celebrates in the dugout after scoring on a single hit by Kyle Farmer during the first inning of their game against the Dodgers on Tuesday night at Dodger Stadium. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
Dodgers starting pitcher Clayton Kershaw catches a pop fly hit by the Minnesota Twins’ Ryan Jeffers during the first inning on Tuesday night at Dodger Stadium. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
Minnesota Twins starting pitcher Bailey Ober throws to the plate during the first inning of their game against the Dodgers on Tuesday night at Dodger Stadium. (Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images)
The Dodgers’ Mookie Betts hits a double during the first inning of their game against the Minnesota Twins on Tuesday night at Dodger Stadium. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
The Dodgers’ Mookie Betts runs after hitting a double during the first inning of their game against the Minnesota Twins on Tuesday night at Dodger Stadium. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
The Dodgers’ Mookie Betts gestures after hitting a double as the Minnesota Twins’ Donovan Solano looks on during the first inning on Tuesday night at Dodger Stadium. (Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images)
Dodgers second baseman Mookie Betts, left, has no play as the Minnesota Twins’ Willi Castro steals second base during the second inning on Tuesday night at Dodger Stadium. (Photo by David Crane, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
Dodgers starting pitcher Clayton Kershaw throws to the plate during the first inning of their game against the Minnesota Twins on Tuesday night at Dodger Stadium. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
Dodgers starting pitcher Clayton Kershaw reacts to an umpire when he thought he had a third strike on a hitter during the second inning of their game against the Minnesota Twins on Tuesday night at Dodger Stadium. (Photo by David Crane, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
Minnesota Twins starting pitcher Bailey Ober throws to the plate during their game against the Dodgers on Tuesday night at Dodger Stadium. (Photo by David Crane, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
Dodgers starting pitcher Clayton Kershaw throws to the plate during the second inning of their game against the Minnesota Twins on Tuesday night at Dodger Stadium. (Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images)
Minnesota Twins designated hitter Byron Buxton, left, reaches first ahead of a throw to Dodgers starting pitcher Clayton Kershaw, center, during the third inning on Tuesday night at Dodger Stadium. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
Dodgers starting pitcher Clayton Kershaw throws to the plate during the first inning of their game against the Minnesota Twins on Tuesday night at Dodger Stadium. (Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images)
The Minnesota Twins’ Michael Taylor scores during the fourth inning of their game against the Dodgers on Tuesday night at Dodger Stadium. (Photo by David Crane, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
The Minnesota Twins’ Michael Taylor is greeted by teammates in the dugout after scoring during the fourth inning of their game against the Dodgers on Tuesday night at Dodger Stadium. (Photo by David Crane, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
Dodgers starting pitcher Clayton Kershaw checks the PitchCom device in his cap during the fourth inning of their game against the Minnesota Twins on Tuesday night at Dodger Stadium. (Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images)
Dodgers starting pitcher Clayton Kershaw throws to the plate during the fourth inning of their game against the Minnesota Twins on Tuesday night at Dodger Stadium. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
Dodgers starting pitcher Clayton Kershaw sits in the dugout during the fourth inning of their game against the Minnesota Twins on Tuesday night at Dodger Stadium. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
Minnesota Twins starting pitcher Bailey Ober throws to the plate during the first inning of their game against the Dodgers on Tuesday night at Dodger Stadium. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
The Dodgers’ Max Muncy celebrates after hitting a ground rule double during the fourth inning of their game against the Minnesota Twins on Tuesday night at Dodger Stadium. (Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images)
The Dodgers’ Max Muncy is tagged out by Minnesota Twins catcher Ryan Jeffers on a botched double steal attempt during the fourth inning on Tuesday night at Dodger Stadium. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
The Dodgers’ Max Muncy sits on the ground after being tagged out trying to score by Minnesota Twins catcher Ryan Jeffers during the fourth inning on Tuesday night at Dodger Stadium. (Photo by David Crane, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
Dodgers relief pitcher Shelby Miller throws to the plate during the fifth inning of their game against the Minnesota Twins on Tuesday night at Dodger Stadium. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
Dodgers starting pitcher Clayton Kershaw sits in the dugout during the fifth inning of their game against the Minnesota Twins on Tuesday night at Dodger Stadium. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
The Dodgers’ Miguel Rojas hits a double during the fifth inning of their game against the Minnesota Twins on Tuesday night at Dodger Stadium. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
The Dodgers’ Freddie Freeman hits an RBI single during the fifth inning of their game against the Minnesota Twins on Tuesday night at Dodger Stadium. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
The Dodgers’ Miguel Rojas, left, and teammate David Peralta celebrate after Rojas scored during the fifth inning of their game against the Minnesota Twins on Tuesday night at Dodger Stadium. (Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images)
The Dodgers’ Miguel Rojas celebrates in the dugout after scoring on a single hit by Freddie Freeman during the fifth inning of their game against the Minnesota Twins on Tuesday night at Dodger Stadium. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
Minnesota Twins starting pitcher Bailey Ober throws to the plate during the second inning of their game against the Dodgers on Tuesday night at Dodger Stadium. (Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images)
The Dodgers’ J.D. Martinez hits his helmet with his bat after striking out during the sixth inning of their game against the Minnesota Twins on Tuesday night at Dodger Stadium. (Photo by David Crane, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
Dodgers second baseman Mookie Betts, left, throws to first base to try to complete a double play as shortstop Miguel Rojas looks on during the seventh inning of their game against the Minnesota Twins on Tuesday night at Dodger Stadium. (Photo by David Crane, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
Minnesota Twins relief pitcher Brock Stewart (61) is removed during their game against the Dodgers on Tuesday night at Dodger Stadium. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
Minnesota Twins outfielder Michael Taylor makes a catch on a ball hit by the Dodgers’ Chris Taylor during the seventh inning on Tuesday night at Dodger Stadium. (Photo by David Crane, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
The Minnesota Twins’ Willi Castro steals second base as Dodgers shortstop Miguel Rojas waits on a late throw during the eighth inning on Tuesday night at Dodger Stadium. (Photo by David Crane, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
The Minnesota Twins’ Willi Castro makes a throw to first base to force out the Dodgers’ Miguel Rojas during the eighth inning on Tuesday night at Dodger Stadium. (Photo by David Crane, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
Dodgers outfielder David Peralta watches fans reach for a ball hit for a two-run home run hit by the Minnesota Twins’ Kyle Farmer during the ninth inning on Tuesday night at Dodger Stadium. (Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images)
The Minnesota Twins’ Kyle Farmer, right, is greeted by teammate Byron Buxton, center, after they both scored on Farmer’s two-run home run during the ninth inning of their game against the Dodgers on Tuesday night at Dodger Stadium. (Photo by David Crane, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
The Minnesota Twins’ Kyle Farmer, center, celebrates in the dugout after hitting a two-run home run during the ninth inning of their game against the Dodgers on Tuesday night at Dodger Stadium. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
Minnesota Twins relief pitcher Griffin Jax, left, and catcher Ryan Jeffers celebrate after the final out of their 5-1 victory over the Dodgers on Tuesday night at Dodger Stadium. (Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images)
Minnesota Twins catcher Ryan Jeffers, left, celebrates with relief pitcher Griffin Jax after the final out of their 5-1 victory over the Dodgers on Tuesday night at Dodger Stadium. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
Actor Danny Trejo throws out the ceremonial first pitch before the Dodgers’ game against the Minnesota Twins on Tuesday night at Dodger Stadium. (Photo by David Crane, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
Dodgers first baseman Freddie Freeman walks to the dugout during their game against the Minnesota Twins on Tuesday night at Dodger Stadium. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
The Dodgers’ Mookie Betts prepares his bat in the dugout during their game against the Minnesota Twins on Tuesday night at Dodger Stadium. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
Dodgers starting pitcher Clayton Kershaw throws to the plate during the third inning of their game against the Minnesota Twins on Tuesday night at Dodger Stadium. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
The Dodgers’ Freddie Freeman laughs as he prepares to bat during the fifth inning of their game against the Minnesota Twins on Tuesday night at Dodger Stadium. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
Although Clayton Kershaw and three relievers did their best to keep a resilient Twins lineup at bay Tuesday, the Dodgers’ failure to capitalize on runners in scoring position resulted in a 5-1 loss.
The Dodgers went 2 for 12 with runners in scoring position and left nine men on base. Their mistakes were conspicuous.
Max Muncy made the final out of the fourth inning at home plate, where he was thrown out on a botched double-steal attempt. They left the bases loaded in the seventh inning. They got their only run when Michael A. Taylor caught a Freddie Freeman flare in shallow center field, then lost the ball sliding on the turf – a rare break on a night of stellar defensive plays by both teams.
So it was that the Dodgers’ winning streak ended at six games before an announced crowd of 52,159.
“We were pretty extended today on the pitching and they had some timely hits,” Manager Dave Roberts said.
The Dodgers kept the game close until the ninth inning, when former Dodger Kyle Farmer hit a two-run home run against reliever Justin Bruihl to cap the scoring.
Typically a one-inning reliever, Bruihl threw the game’s final two innings despite appearing for the third time in three games. Right-hander Shelby Miller allowed one run in two innings in relief of Kershaw, who lasted a season-low four innings. Victor Gonzalez threw a scoreless seventh inning as Roberts stayed away from his high-leverage relief pitchers.
“You sort of concede sometimes at some point to potentially give yourself the best chance to win the series,” Roberts said. “What Shelby did for us was incredible. What Justin Bruihl did for us was incredible. That not only preserved tonight but gave us a very good opportunity to win a game (Wednesday).”
The Dodgers (27-16) will send Dustin May to the mound in the series finale – a noon game followed by a flight to St. Louis.
Twins starter Bailey Ober (3-0) allowed one run over six innings. Ober, coincidentally, was drafted by the Dodgers in the 23rd round of the 2016 draft but did not sign. Several former Dodgers did damage for the Twins (23-19).
Donovan Solano led off the game with a double into the left field corner. The former Dodger minor leaguer scored on a two-out single by Farmer, who had three RBIs against his former team. Brock Stewart made a scoreless relief appearance in his return to Los Angeles.
Pitching three days after the death of his mother, Marianne, Kershaw allowed three runs on seven hits in four innings. He walked one batter, hit another and struck out seven. He was also charged with a balk when he threw to first base and failed to pick off Taylor on his third throw over; he also incurred a pitch timer violation.
“There were not a ton of hard-hit balls tonight,” Kershaw said. “A couple were, but other than that, just long at-bats. They put good at-bats on me the whole night. I wasn’t able to have any quick innings tonight.”
Kershaw (6-3) needed 47 pitches to record the game’s first six outs.
In the fourth inning, Minnesota used a leadoff walk by Taylor, and back-to-back singles by Joey Gallo and Willi Castro, to take a 3-0 lead. Kershaw was fortunate to strike out Solano and induce a double-play groundout by Carlos Correa – thanks to a slick-handed play by second baseman Mookie Betts – to end the inning without allowing another run.
Roberts then decided that Kershaw had reached the end of his rope.
“I think he just wasn’t as crisp as he has been,” Roberts said. “I thought he was fighting himself, couldn’t really find a rhythm, get into a rhythm. In the fourth inning, I thought the sharpness of the slider just wasn’t there. The hope was for him to go deeper into the game.”
Roberts and Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman were prepared to allow Kershaw time away from the team on the bereavement list, but the pitcher said he will make his next start as scheduled in St. Louis. He said it was “humbling” to hear from fans and others who reached out to offer their condolences in recent days.
Was the emotional impact weighing on Kershaw?
“No,” he said. “All good. All good.”
“Everything physically felt good, just wasn’t coming out like I wanted it to.” @ClaytonKersh22 talks about how he felt about his pitch choices and decisions against the clock. pic.twitter.com/yDLhuxbqiz
J.P. Hoornstra covers Major League Baseball and is the author of 'The 50 Greatest Dodger Games Of All Time.' He once recorded a keyboard solo on the same album as two of the original Doors.
