The Los Angeles Dodgers are in the middle of their National League Division Series with the San Diego Padres tied 1-1 after two completely different games.
The Dodgers took the opener with their offense coming to life before quieting back down with just two runs in the second game. The series was expected to be a battle between the two teams, as has been the case the previous few seasons.
Last year, the Dodgers were swept by the Diamondbacks in three games last year after Mookie Betts and Freddie Freeman went a combined 1-for-21 with two runs scored and three walks. They also struggled in the previous season against the Padres, losing the series in four games.
The former MVP Award winners are looking to bounce back and should benefit from Shohei Ohtani’s presence in the leadoff spot. “Yeah, I think so,” manager Dave Roberts answered when asked if Ohtani can take pressure off Betts and Freeman.
“Shohei has certainly carried the brunt of the offense. I think it’s kind of, how do you look at it? If you’re Freddie or Mookie or the rest of the lineup, is it to feel there’s a pressure taken off because you have Shohei at the top? Or, really impact the game, the lineup, given their individual talent. I’m more partial to the latter.
“I think being a supporter alleviates some pressure, but I still expect Mookie and Freddie to be the guys that they are and have shown in past postseasons. So if we can get those guys and the rest of the lineup doing what they’re capable of, I just don’t think we can be beat.”
Dodgers general manager Brandon Gomes agreed that Ohtani should be a difference maker but hopes other players perform to their potential. “I think everything about the postseason is guys performing to their true talent level,” Gomes began.
“As many guys as you can have that are on the roster that are really talented, it gives you a better chance. Then you have other guys that have stepped up in huge moments in October, whether expectedly or unexpectedly.
“So I do think it’s a lot about having players play as well as they can in the postseason and you go from there. If you can put out a really talented roster, that’s the goal, and then those guys are going to lock it in and go do what they do.”
Shohei Ohtani, Mookie Betts & Freddie Freeman among Dodgers with best-selling jersey
Ohtani (No. 1) and Betts (No. 4) both cracked the top 20 in player jersey sales this season. Freeman (No. 18) and Clayton Kershaw (No. 19) also made the list.
The ranking of best-selling MLB jerseys for the 2024 season was determined by sales on MLBShop.com of Nike jerseys since Opening Day.
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