The two-time defending champion Los Angeles Dodgers are staring down the barrel, trailing the Milwaukee Brewers 2-0 in the NLCS. It’s an uphill battle, big time. Teams that fall behind 2-0 in MLB playoff history? They’re a dismal 16-79 in their series. That’s some brutal math, and it means the Dodgers have to win four of their next five games, or their season is done. Yeah, you heard me, the champs are on the ropes!
The Big Swing Is Missing: What’s Up With Shohei?
First things first, let’s talk about Shohei Ohtani. It’s painfully clear the dude is hurting. We’re talking knee and biceps injuries that have been dogging him since July, and his bat has just been cold since mid-August. In these playoffs, Ohtani is a shocking 3 for 20 with seven strikeouts and zero extra-base hits. Zero! The Dodgers have actually thought about benching him, which tells you everything about how bad it’s been. But here’s the kicker: he’s starting Game 3 as usual. And Ohtani himself keeps insisting he isn’t hurt that badly, swearing he can figure things out at the plate. Who are we to doubt Shohei Freaking Ohtani, right? If he suddenly clicks, it’s a game-changer for this lineup.
Think about last postseason. Ohtani went absolutely wild: three doubles, a triple, eight home runs, 14 RBI, and 13 runs in just 17 games, all while rocking a 1.096 OPS. He even mashed a three-homer game against these same Brewers in Game 4 of the NLCS last year. That’s the kind of performance that just elevates everyone else around him. If he finds even a fraction of that power, it could be the spark the Dodgers desperately need to climb out of this hole.
Back Home, But Do They Still Have The Pop?
Good news is the Dodgers are finally heading home for Game 3 after being on the road since October 4. That familiarity has to help. The Brewers, on the other hand, weren’t exactly road warriors in the regular season, finishing seven games worse away from home. Plus, they went just 1-1 in San Diego in the last round, compared to their perfect 4-0 playoff record at American Family Field. Home field advantage is a real thing, folks.
And let’s not forget home run power. In the playoffs, you’re facing elite pitching and stellar defense. Stringing together hits becomes a nightmare. So, it’s all about small ball or big dingers. The Brewers are exceptional at run prevention, making them tough to score against. But the Dodgers can hit the ball out of the park. Even with Ohtani being compromised for months and other injuries, they still tied for seventh in the regular season with 204 home runs. That kind of pop is what wins tight playoff games when hits are scarce. They just gotta find it.
Game 3 goes down Wednesday evening at Dodger Stadium. The champs are on the ropes, no doubt, and it’s going to take something special to pull this off. Can they rally at home and start chipping away at that 2-0 deficit? Their season is on the line, plain and simple. It’s do or die from here on out.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by CBS Sports.
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