LOS ANGELES -- Sometimes, one tweet can make all the difference in changing perspective.



Especially if it’s from the President of the United States.



Even before the final out was recorded in the Los Angeles Dodgers’ 9-6 loss to the Boston Red Sox on Saturday night in Game 4 of the World Series, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts had emerged as the top candidate as scapegoat. With no less than President Trump among the critics questioning Roberts' bullpen moves.

Fans were looking for someone to blame. For the Dodgers blowing a 4-0 lead. For the Dodgers moving one defeat from losing the World Series for the second straight year. For the Dodgers failing to end a 30-year drought since their last World Series championship.

With fans assembling wish lists of potential new managers, the Tweeter-in-Chief sounded off.

“Watching the Dodgers/Red Sox final innings,’’ Trump tweeted. “It is amazing how a manager takes out a pitcher who is loose & dominating through almost 7 innings, Rich Hill of Dodgers, and brings in nervous reliever(s) who get shellacked. 4 run lead gone. Managers do it all the time, big mistake!’’

Trump’s criticism of Roberts came on the same day as a shooting massacre at a Pittsburgh synagogue.

In particular, Roberts’ decision to use reliever Ryan Madson in the top of the seventh, with the Dodgers leading 4-0, ranks among his worst.

Madson yielded a massive three-run, pinch-hit home run to Mitch Moreland and now has allowed all seven baserunners he’s inherited in this World Series to score.

But Trump’s tweet should have prompted rational — and even semi-rational — fans to slow down and look at the big picture.

Yes, the Dodgers’ season seems destined to end in Game 5 Sunday at Dodger Stadium, with Boston holding two more chances to clinch back at Fenway Park. But Roberts has guided the Dodgers to three straight NL West titles in his three years at the helm. And he’s helped lead the Dodgers to back-to-back World Series for the first time since 1977-'78.

"I'm happy he was tuning in and watching the game," Roberts said when informed of the tweet. "I don't know how many Dodger games he's watched. I don't think he is privy to the conversation. That's one man's opinion."

It’s worth noting that during the ’77 and ’78 seasons, the Dodgers were managed by Hall-of-Famer Tommy Lasorda. The Dodgers lost the World Series both years. The Dodgers did not win the World Series under Lasorda until 1981 — his fifth season as manager.

Trump is guaranteed two more years as president.



As manager of the Dodgers, Roberts deserves no less.

MORE MLB:

Red Sox rally to stun Dodgers in Game 4, move to brink of World Series title

Red Sox overpower Dodgers, set stage for World Series celebration

Commissioner Rob Manfred says 7-hour clash 'a great game,' open to rule change

After long, late Game 3 of the World Series, it's time for MLB to wake up

Follow USA TODAY columnist Josh Peter on Twitter @joshlpeter11