Bottom of Dodgers’ lineup still not holding up its end offensively

CINCINNATI — There are going to be ups and downs offensively over the course of the season. The Dodgers were definitely in a down cycle when they headed on the road for this six-game road trip.

Over their 14 games before Friday, the Dodgers had averaged 3.69 runs per game while batting .213. They have especially slipped in the clutch, batting .217 with runners in scoring position.

“Simply put, we’re missing fastballs and I think mistakes in the middle of the hitting zone, spin, we’re not taking advantage of.