The Los Angeles Dodgers experienced an alarming decline in offensive performance over the weekend, losing two games in a row, with a particularly troubling 2-1 defeat to the St. Louis Cardinals. Nolan Gorman ignited the winning rally in the ninth inning with a crucial ground-rule double, which led to a pinch-hit single from Nolan Arenado off reliever Ben Casparius that sealed the game. Dodgers' offense faltered significantly, leaving 12 runners on base and failing to capitalize on 12 opportunities with runners in scoring position, raising concerns ahead of their upcoming series against the San Diego Padres, who are closely trailing in the NL West. Despite the struggles, pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto showcased an impressive performance, lowering his ERA to 2.20, making history as the first Japanese pitcher to lead an American major league in ERA. This raises questions about the Dodgers' reliance on their pitching staff amid their offensive woes.