As the MLB postseason moves closer to the Fall Classic matchup being set in stone, the Los Angeles Dodgers are on the outside looking in after another disappointing exit in the National League Division Series.
It marked the third straight season in which the team powered their way to another 100-win regular season slate, only to be crushed in the postseason, this time by an Arizona Diamondbacks team that punished every mistake Dodgers pitching made. While it was easy to blame the starting pitching for the loss, the offense never got going.
Veteran infielder Max Muncy has been with the team for several years, and with the thought process that the “hottest team wins” in the postseason ringing true, this Dodgers team was almost as cold as could be.
The Dodgers were unable to reach the Championship Series round, but the spectacle of the sport and the drama of the postseason is still must-see television, which Muncy echoed during an apperance on Foul Territory:
“It’s tough for me, but I also love baseball. I’m kind of a baseball junky, so getting to watch some playoff games, there’s only one thing better — and that’s playing in the game. But since I don’t get that option anymore because we didn’t do our job, I’m going to enjoy them the best I can.”
With the Diamondbacks and Philadelphia Phillies playing for the NL crown, the Houston Astros and Texas Rangers battle it out in the American League. Muncy joked about who he’s watching with a close eye, and who he wouldn’t mind if they lost:
“I think there’s really only one team out there we’re rooting against, and I don’t need to say it. You guys know it.”
Rooting against an in-division opponent isn’t out of the question because of the recent loss, but the history between the Dodgers and Astros is enough to warrant not being upset if they-too, bowed out.
Max Muncy postseason production with the Dodgers
Since joining the Dodgers, Muncy has proved himself as one of the key postseason performers in manager Dave Roberts’ lineup.
As a whole, Muncy holds an .857 on-base plus slugging with 10 home runs, 29 RBI, 30 runs score and 39 walks in 46 career playoff games since 2018. He’s accounted for numerous highlight moments, going back to his walk-off homer against the Boston Red Sox in the 18th inning in Game 3 of the 2018 World Series.
During the Dodgers 2020 World Series run, Muncy made his mark against the Atlanta Braves in the NL Championship Series, posting a 1.043 OPS with two homers, two doubles and six RBI in their comeback streak to make the Fall Classic.
Muncy is tied with Steve Garvey with 10 postseason homers, which ranks fourth on the Dodgers all-time leaderboard.
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