Can the Dodgers win with a tattered rotation? The answer may lie in the remarkable presence of Shohei Ohtani and his teammates. The Los Angeles Dodgers faced a familiar atmosphere at Dodger Stadium, where the excitement of Game 1 of the National League Division Series filled the air. The smoke from the pregame fireworks had barely dissipated, and the sound of F-35 jets flying overhead was still echoing when the fanfare of the game came to an abrupt halt.
This time, however, there was a fresh twist in the narrative. Despite the challenges posed by a battered pitching staff, the Dodgers found a glimmer of hope.
This time, that hope was embodied in Shohei Ohtani. “We’ve obviously had a lot of good players,” remarked manager Dave Roberts. “But when you get a player like Shohei, who clearly embraces these moments and has the ability to carry a ballclub, I do think that there’s something to alleviating the… I hate saying pressure, but the pressure for other players.”
After a forgettable start in the previous postseason, where they allowed six runs in the first inning against the Diamondbacks, the Dodgers showed improvement by conceding only three runs in the opening frame this time around.
Yoshinobu Yamamoto’s playoff debut mirrored the struggles he faced earlier in the year, as he confronted a fierce San Diego lineup that quickly scored three runs, including a two-run homer from Manny Machado that left the crowd in stunned silence.
The early innings felt like a rerun, especially as the Dodgers failed to capitalize on their offensive opportunities. This start echoed not only the previous postseason’s disappointments but also the painful memories of the 2022 NLDS, where the Dodgers were swept by the wild-card Padres.
However, this year, Ohtani stepped up to potentially rewrite the script, delivering a game-tying three-run homer that electrified the stadium. “We don’t expect anything less than that,” said Teoscar Hernández. “He’s the guy that’s going to guide us through all this.”
Ohtani’s performance leading up to the playoffs was nothing short of impressive, boasting a .628 batting average, six home runs, and 20 RBIs over his last ten regular-season games. His confidence shone through as he entered his first playoff game, stating he felt no nerves—this was the moment he had always dreamed of.
The second inning presented the most significant challenge of his career. After fouling a pitch off his knee, Ohtani faced a critical moment with two runners on and two outs. The Dodgers had emphasized the importance of hitting fastballs, a skill they struggled with in past playoffs.
In prior postseason appearances, the Dodgers had faltered against fastballs, ranking near the bottom of playoff teams in performance. However, Ohtani’s timely swing against a 96.9 mph fastball from Dylan Cease turned the tide, resulting in a powerful game-tying hit that reignited the team’s spirit.
“Three runs can kind of knock the air out of you,” said Freddie Freeman. “But when you have Shohei Ohtani, that always helps. Just, when you need a big hit or a big situation comes up, we had the right guy at the plate.”
Ohtani’s home run brought a surge of energy, prompting the Dodgers’ bullpen to join in the celebration. “We were going nuts,” reliever Alex Vesia shared, noting how the team seemed to come alive.
In past seasons, Roberts had expressed concern about his team’s intensity, particularly in high-stakes moments. This time, however, the Dodgers matched the Padres’ energy. “I think there’s something to having that superstar player that can carry a ballclub,” Roberts stated.
The momentum continued into the third inning, where players like Freddie Freeman, who had been uncertain about his ability to play due to an ankle injury, stepped up. His determination to contribute was evident as he not only recorded two hits but also stole a base, showcasing his commitment to the team’s success.
Even though the Dodgers didn’t score during that inning, Freeman’s effort provided a much-needed boost. When the Padres reclaimed the lead, the Dodgers quickly responded with three runs in the fourth inning, including a go-ahead hit from Hernández, demonstrating their resilience.
The offensive surge helped the Dodgers overcome a shaky start from Yamamoto. This marked an improvement compared to their previous postseason performances, where starting pitchers had struggled significantly.
Given the current state of their rotation, the Dodgers must rely on their ability to hit and outslug opponents to succeed in the playoffs. While this approach carries risks, it also offers a potential path to victory.
With Ohtani at the helm of the offense, the possibility of overcoming their challenges seems more attainable. “I just really have never seen a guy in the biggest of moments come through as consistently as he has,” Roberts concluded, reflecting on Ohtani’s exceptional ability to perform under pressure.
