The Los Angeles Dodgers put the finishing touches on a stellar regular season by completing a Freeway Series sweep of the L.A. Angels, wrapping up play with an MLB-best 43-17 record.
In what was a dominant effort all season long, the club dropped just one series and finished with a winning record against each of their opponents. “I think it’s been very consistent, given all the circumstances,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said of his team’s play.
“They’ve done a great job in preparing each day, focusing on baseball as well as appreciating what’s going on with their responsibility to not only the city and fans but the broader scope of our country; addressing a lot of things they’re not used to dealing with.
“As far as boots on the ground, I think the pitching has been fantastic. I think all the other stuff has been pretty good. The hitting has been pretty good, but the pitching has carried us.”
Considering all of the complexities teams faced this year, Roberts was proud of his players and coaching staff for making due. “I think the biggest thing is where coaches and players are used to routine and a certain regimen, that you can still perform in a situation that is unpredictable and unique,” he said.
“I think that is really good. You never know what you can handle until it’s put in front of you. Our guys have passed that test with flying colors.”
On the heels of a successful regular season, the Dodgers know the journey is far from over. They now set their sights on ending a 31-year World Series drought.
The club came close to doing so in recent years, advancing to back-to-back Fall Classics during the 2017-18 seasons. Though they ultimately fell short in both years, one can make a case that the 2020 roster is better suited to get over the hump.
“I thought we were very prepared the last four years,” Roberts said of the Dodgers’ World Series ambitions. “I think we have a deeper bullpen, certainly adding Mookie to the mix makes us better, and I think the experience.
“All that stuff combined, I think gives us an even better chance this year.”
Roberts not worried about facing Brewers for first time in NL Wild Card Series
The Dodgers didn’t learn until Sunday afternoon that they will be taking on the Milwaukee Brewers in the NL Wild Card Series. Because MLB implemented a divisional and geographical 60-game schedule during the regular, the matchup marks the first time the teams play this year.
Roberts downplayed any concern about facing an unfamiliar opponent with so much on the line. “It cuts both ways,” he said. “For us, I think it’s just more of worrying about ourselves.
“Preparing for any opponent we might face, but I think at the end of the day, they’ve still got to throw the baseball over the plate and we’ve got to make plays, take good at-bats and get guys out. If we do that, we’re going to be fine.
“The whole game of trying to get caught up in who we play and how we match up, I just don’t have any tolerance for it.”
Have you subscribed to our YouTube channel? It’s the best way to watch player interviews, exclusive coverage from events, participate in our shows, and more!
