Dodgers waste Emmet Sheehan’s gem in stunning loss to Cubs

TL;DR

Emmet Sheehan pitched brilliantly for the Dodgers, striking out 10 batters, but the team lost 6-4 to the Cubs due to bullpen failures. This marks the Dodgers' fifth loss in their last eight games.

Key points

Emmet Sheehan struck out 10 batters in the game.
The Dodgers lost 6-4 due to bullpen issues.
Sheehan's fastball velocity dipped but improved later.
The Dodgers have lost five of their last eight games.
Hyeseong Kim had a strong performance with multiple hits.

Los Angeles DodgersChicago CubsEmmet SheehanAlex Bregman

Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Emmet Sheehan reacts during the first inning of a baseball game against the Chicago Cubs, Friday, April 24, 2026, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Ryan Sun) Emmet Sheehan’s night started with a PitchCom issue. There weren’t many hiccups for the Dodgers starter after that. But, somehow, Los Angeles still lost.

Emmet Sheehan twirled a gem against the Cubs, but somehow, the Dodgers still lost. AP The 24-year-old right-hander dominated the red-hot Cubs on Friday, but a Dodgers bullpen implosion saddled Los Angeles with a stunning 6-4 defeat at Dodger Stadium. Sheehan, who came into the outing with a 5.85 ERA, struck out seven of the first nine batters he faced and appeared to have control of every one of his pitches. His fastball velocity — the subject of much consternation earlier this year — did dip from 95-96 mph to 92-93 mph in the fourth inning, though it came back up later. Sheehan ultimately went 6 1/3 innings and tied his career-high with 10 strikeouts. He allowed just four hits and one walk. His pristine line, however, was scuffed up in the seventh, when replaced him following a Moises Ballesteros base hit. Vesia gave up two knocks, hanging one earned run on Sheehan while adding two to his own ledger. relieved Vesia an inning later, and surrendered a solo shot to — who was booed throughout the game — that tied the game at four. The Cubs managed to beat the Dodgers on Friday despite 10 strikeouts from Emmet Sheehan. AP ultimately yielded the game-winning runs in the top of the ninth after took him deep to left. Offensively, the Dodgers started out sleepily against Chicago righty Jameson Taillon, but after recorded the team’s first hit in the third inning, they briefly woke up. worked a walk following the Kim hit, and two batters later, plated both Freeland and Kim with a three-run home run to right field. The Dodgers tacked on another run in the fourth via a Kim single, but that’s all they’d score the rest of the night.

Q&A

What were Emmet Sheehan's stats in the game against the Cubs?

Emmet Sheehan pitched 6 1/3 innings, struck out 10 batters, allowed four hits, and one walk.

How did the Dodgers lose to the Cubs despite Sheehan's performance?

The Dodgers lost due to a bullpen collapse, with Alex Vesia and Tanner Scott allowing crucial runs in the later innings.

What is the current performance trend of the Dodgers?

The Dodgers have lost five of their last eight games, raising concerns about their bullpen effectiveness.

When is the next game between the Dodgers and Cubs?

The next game between the Dodgers and Cubs is scheduled for Saturday at 4:15 p.m. PT.