The Los Angeles Dodgers secured their place in the National League Championship Series with a 2-1 walk-off victory over the Philadelphia Phillies in Game 4 of the NLDS.
The game ended dramatically when Phillies reliever Orion Kerkering mishandled a ground ball in the 11th inning, allowing pinch-runner Hyeseong Kim to score the winning run.
However, amid the celebration, a pressing concern looms over the Dodgers‘ lineup: Shohei Ohtani‘s continued struggles at the plate.
The two-way star, who had an outstanding regular season, has been notably absent during the postseason. In the NLDS, Ohtani went 1-for-18 with nine strikeouts, including an 0-for-5 performance in Game 3.
Manager Dave Roberts addresses Ohtani’s offensive slump
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts acknowledged Ohtani‘s difficulties, emphasizing the need for the team’s top hitters to perform.
“I just think he’s in between a little bit, but the swing decisions are just not where they need to be right now,” Roberts said. “He’s a big part of our offense, and we need him to get going.”
Roberts also expressed his concerns regarding Ohtani‘s recent performance, noting that the star hitter has been struggling to capitalize on pitchers’ mistakes.
“He’s in and has been in postseason mode,” Roberts stated just ahead of the playoffs.
“His September has been fantastic, at-bat quality, you can see it on the mound, he’s got a different look right now.”
Despite Ohtani‘s offensive woes, his pitching contributions have been solid. In Game 1 of the NLDS, he delivered a strong performance on the mound, helping the Dodgers take an early series lead.
However, the team’s success has been overshadowed by their struggles at the plate, with Ohtani‘s slump being a focal point.
Postseason performance raises questions
Analysts and fans alike are beginning to question whether Ohtani‘s postseason performance is indicative of a larger issue.
His inability to produce offensively has raised concerns about his readiness for high-pressure situations.
“If we’re going to appoint him as the second coming on both sides of the ball, then he needs to show up on both sides of the ball,” said MLB analyst Clint Pasillas.
As the Dodgers prepare for the NLCS, the spotlight will be on Ohtani to determine whether he can overcome his postseason slump and contribute to his team’s success.
With the pressure mounting, Ohtani‘s performance in the upcoming series could be pivotal in Los Angeles‘s quest for a World Series title.
Now, as the Dodgers continue their postseason journey, the team will need Ohtani to rediscover his form at the plate.
His ability to perform under pressure has been a hallmark of his career, and the Dodgers are hopeful that he can return to his previous levels of excellence.
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