The Dodgers’ maligned pitching staff and manager delivered a masterclass to win the NLDS against the Padres, showcasing resilience and strategic brilliance. Dave Roberts entered the postgame press conference with a cigar in hand, his voice hoarse from celebration. In his playing days, he famously helped the Red Sox break a 3-0 deficit in the ALCS, and as a manager, he led the Dodgers to overcome a similar hurdle in the 2020 season. This latest triumph added another chapter to his legacy, as the Dodgers shut out the Padres 2-0, advancing to the NLCS against the New York Mets.
Roberts compared this National League Division Series comeback to his previous successes, highlighting the team’s character. After two consecutive first-round exits against lower-seeded rivals, the Dodgers were determined not to repeat history. “This is right there with it,” Roberts stated, emphasizing the significance of their performance against a momentum-rich Padres team.
Despite injuries that plagued key players like Freddie Freeman and Miguel Rojas, the Dodgers demonstrated a relentless spirit. Their pitching staff, often criticized, delivered 24 consecutive scoreless innings, proving doubters wrong. The clubhouse rallied around a mantra from Kiké Hernández, echoing through the speakers as Kendrick Lamar’s “Not Like Us” played. Max Muncy boldly declared, “F— ’em all,” showcasing the team’s defiance.
Yoshinobu Yamamoto, the last standing starter, faced pressure after a rocky return from injury. His prior struggles against the Padres raised concerns, yet the Dodgers opted to trust him for Game 5. “At the end of the day,” Roberts said, “we’re making a bet on a guy to pitch the game of his life tonight.” Yamamoto, with a history of big-game performances, rose to the occasion, providing five scoreless innings.
The Dodgers’ decision to stick with Yamamoto paid off, as he proved instrumental in their victory. After his exit, the bullpen maintained the shutout, with Roberts expertly managing matchups against the Padres’ lineup. The culmination of this strategy led to the Dodgers’ first postseason series clinch at Dodger Stadium since 2013, a moment the players longed for after their 2020 championship run in a neutral site.
As the Dodgers celebrated their hard-fought victory, they recognized the importance of teamwork and strategy. Muncy encapsulated their mindset: “We know who we are. We’re the f—ing best team in baseball, and we’re out there to prove it.” With this win, the Dodgers not only advanced in the playoffs but also silenced critics who doubted their pitching staff’s capabilities.
