The Los Angeles Dodgers passed their first postseason test in the MLB Wild Card Series, defeating the Cincinnati Reds 2-0. While there were no real concerns about their offense, warning signs emerged in other areas that could prove decisive in their upcoming National League Divisional Series (NLDS) against the Philadelphia Phillies.
A Tougher Series Against a More Challenging Opponent
The Dodgers quickly shift focus to the Phillies, knowing they’ll open the Divisional Series with two games at Citizens Bank Park, widely regarded as one of the toughest venues for visiting teams in baseball.
It’s no secret that the Phillies dominated the Dodgers in the regular season, with Los Angeles winning just two of their six matchups. In their most recent loss on September 16, starter Shohei Ohtani threw five no-hit innings before the bullpen collapsed, allowing eight hits and nine runs over the final four innings.
“Very talented ball club,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said. “It’s going to be a fun environment. I think we match up really well with those guys. They’re going to run a bunch of left-handers at us. Talented, all throughout the lineup. They got Trea Turner back. It’s going to be a fun series.”
After the win over the Reds, Roberts confirmed that Shohei Ohtani will start on the mound, though he hasn’t pitched since September 23 against the Arizona Diamondbacks, when he allowed just five hits, no runs, and struck out eight.
Ohtani and the Dodgers emerged from the Wild Card Series relatively unscathed. The only concern was utility player Kiké Hernández, who experienced back discomfort during Game 1 but recovered in time for Game 2, where he went 2-for-5 with an RBI.
While the Phillies enter well-rested after advancing directly to the Divisional Series, having not played since September 28, the Dodgers arrive with more competitive rhythm from their recent series. Manager Dave Roberts even suggested that skipping a week off could be an advantage for his team.
“If you can bank getting through the Wild Card Series, I think so,” Roberts said. “It just kind of takes on some downside, obviously, playing in the series. But getting through it the way we have, kind of seamlessly getting to the next series, I think we’re in a good spot.”
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