Dodgers Closer Diaz Struggles Again in Tune-Up Outing
Listen to the story
Alex Diaz plays for the Los Angeles Dodgers. He is the team's closer. A closer is the pitcher who finishes a game.
The Dodgers had a big lead. They led by nine runs. Diaz pitched in the ninth inning. He needed practice, so he pitched in an easy game.
But Diaz did not pitch well. He gave up four hits. He allowed three runs in one inning. This is called a bad outing.
Manager Dave Roberts watched the game. His face looked worried. This was not the first time Diaz had problems.
Diaz is important for the Dodgers. He must pitch well in close games. But he keeps having trouble, even with a big lead.
Roberts and the team now feel some doubt about Diaz. They hope he can pitch better soon.
Vocabulary7 words
- Dodgers
- a baseball team from Los Angeles
- closer
- the pitcher who finishes a game
- inning
- one part of a baseball game
- runs
- points scored in baseball
- outing
- one game a player plays in
- Roberts
- the name of the Dodgers manager
- doubt
- a feeling of not being sure
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Quiz
Answer key
1. He is the closer 2. Three 3. False
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Fill-in-the-blank listening
Play the audio again and fill in the missing words as you listen.
Alex Diaz plays for the Los Angeles _____. He is the team's _____.
The Dodgers had a big _____. They led by nine runs. Diaz pitched in the ninth _____.
But Diaz did not pitch well. He gave up four hits. He allowed three _____ in one inning.
Manager Dave _____ watched the game. His face looked worried.
Diaz is important for the Dodgers. He must pitch well in close games.
Roberts and the team now feel some _____ about Diaz.
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