The Death Star Dodgers are on a roll, friends! With a 3-0 lead in the National League Championship Series, they've dominated the Brewers, but there's a curious twist to their success.
The MVP's Slump: A Strange October Story
Shohei Ohtani, the beloved MVP, is experiencing a peculiar October. Despite the Dodgers' impressive wins, Ohtani's bat has gone cold, with a mere .158 batting average and 17 strikeouts in the postseason. But here's the intriguing part: it's not just Ohtani's slump that's unusual, it's the team's resilience despite it.
Let's delve into the numbers. In the three games of the NLCS, the Brewers, a formidable offense, have managed a total of just nine hits. Game 1: two hits, Game 2: three hits, and Game 3: four hits. It's a testament to the Dodgers' dominance, but it also raises questions about Ohtani's impact.
The Force is Strong, Even in Slumps
Ohtani's slump is a rare occurrence for an MVP, but it's not unprecedented. History reveals seven MVPs who had lower batting averages in a single postseason, including legends like Joe Gordon, Orlando Cepeda, and Mickey Mantle. So, while Ohtani's struggles are notable, they're not unique.
But what sets Ohtani apart is the team's resilience. Despite his struggles, the Dodgers have steamrolled their opponents. Ohtani's presence, even in a slump, commands respect. His intentional walks and moments of brilliance, like his leadoff triple on Thursday, keep the opposition on edge.
The Shohei Factor
Ohtani's impact goes beyond his batting average. His recent five-game stretch, where he had more intentional walks than hits, is a testament to his fear factor. As Michael Kopech, an injured reliever, put it, "The other team can still feel his presence no matter what."
And then there's the legendary batting practice homer. Ohtani's gargantuan home run during practice, which seemingly bounced its way to Santa Monica, is a reminder of his potential. It's a glimpse into the power that keeps opponents up at night.
The Unstoppable Dodgers
The Dodgers' success is a testament to their star-studded lineup. With Ohtani's slump largely ignored, the team has bludgeoned their way to victory. It's a unique problem, one that leaves little room for investigation into Ohtani's struggles.
"We have a team here full of guys that (are) going to step up," said Miguel Rojas. And indeed, they have.
The Great Shoh Man's Act
Ohtani's side gig as a starting pitcher adds another layer to his story. On Friday, he'll take the mound, potentially clinching the series and punching their ticket to the World Series. It's a chance for Ohtani to silence critics and remind everyone why he's the greatest Shoh Man in the sport.
Sweep Dreams and Historic Moments
The Dodgers' dominance has put them on the verge of history. With a sweep of the NLCS, they'd achieve a feat they've never accomplished before. It's a tall order, but with a 3-0 lead, they're well-positioned.
Rookie Sensation: Misiorowski's Moment
Rookie Jacob Misiorowski had an all-time relief appearance in Game 3, striking out nine batters. It was a historic performance, setting records and reminding us of the sport's wild nature. Misiorowski, at just 23, achieved something almost unheard of, striking out nine in a postseason game.
The Weirdest Strikeout
In a sport known for its quirks, the strikeout of Jackson Chourio was a reminder of baseball's unique charm. Chourio struck out despite not being on the field when the final pitch was thrown. It's a technicality that only baseball could offer, and it's these moments that make the sport so captivating.
A Historical Strikeout Streak
The strikeout of Chourio, and the earlier strikeout of Will Benson, is a rare occurrence. In the last 51 years, it's happened just twice in the postseason, and both times in the same year. It's a statistical anomaly, a reminder of baseball's unpredictable nature.
So, as the Dodgers march towards history, with Ohtani's unique side gig and Misiorowski's moment in the spotlight, we're left with a sport that continues to surprise and delight. It's a wild ride, and we're along for the journey.
