Shohei Ohtani continues to generate absolute respect in every plate appearance with the Los Angeles Dodgers, to the point that opposing teams no longer prefer to face him. This was evident in the second and final game of the Wild Card series between the Dodgers and Reds, when Cincinnati chose to intentionally walk him after being punished by the Japanese in previous games.
Ohtani had hit two home runs in the first game and an RBI single in the second, leading the Reds to make a strategic decision: not to pitch to him. In the seventh inning, with a runner on second and no outs, they preferred to walk him intentionally. But the plan did not go as expected, as Mookie Betts responded with a double that extended the lead to 8-2.
Far from feeling underestimated by being the batter after Ohtani, Betts understands perfectly the logic of the decision. “Nothing,” he replied when asked what he thought when he saw his teammate intentionally walked and responded:
I wouldn’t let Shohei hit either. I mean, I get it. I understand the situation of the game. So I just have to be ready to do what I have to do
The strategy against Shohei Ohtani could be unsustainable if Mookie Betts maintains his level
The choice not to pitch to Ohtani can become a double-edged sword for opponents. Mookie Betts has been on fire at the right time: He had six hits and drove in three runs during the Dodgers’ sweep of Cincinnati, being instrumental in advancing to the Division Series.
His double against the Reds was more than an immediate response to the walk to the Japanese; it became a key play, as it extended the lead and was instrumental in the game 2 taking its course, as the Reds could not get close on the scoreboard. Betts coolly added:
I hope the Phillies do. I hope it happens for the rest of the postseason
Dodgers vs Phillies: the challenge increases in the Division Series
The Dodgers now prepare to face the Philadelphia Phillies in the National League Division Series. Philadelphia, the East champion with a 96-66 record, is the favorite after winning four of six meetings against Los Angeles during the regular season. However, the Dodgers are motivated after a convincing performance in the wild-card round.
The first game will be on Saturday, October 4 at Citizens Bank Park with Ohtani as a respected figure and Betts as a silent executioner, the Angels will look to continue writing their way to a new World Series.
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