LOS ANGELES (AP) — The Los Angeles Dodgers continue to excel in the playoffs, even in the absence of notable home runs and stolen bases from Shohei Ohtani.
On Sunday night, the Japanese sensation was caught stealing for the first time in almost three months, bringing an end to his impressive streak of 36 consecutive successful stolen base attempts.
The Dodgers trounced the Mets 9-0. Ohtani had a strong performance, going 2 for 4 with a walk, scoring two runs, and driving in another.
During the NL Championship Series opener, Ohtani was thrown out trying to steal second base by New York Mets catcher Francisco Alvarez, marking the last out for the Dodgers in the second inning.
Patrick Bailey of San Francisco was the last catcher to successfully throw out Ohtani, doing so on July 22 at second base.
Ohtani’s RBI single off Kodai Senga contributed to the Dodgers’ 3-0 lead and effectively ended Senga’s time on the mound. He also hit a single in the fourth inning against David Peterson, taking advantage of a fielding error by right fielder Starling Marte that allowed a run to score before he crossed the plate on Freddie Freeman’s single, extending the lead to 6-0.
Since hitting a game-tying three-run homer in Game 1 of the NL Division Series against San Diego, Ohtani has remained relatively subdued at the plate.
“I think he’s in a good place right now,” manager Dave Roberts commented. “As I mentioned during the last series, I thought he was pressing a bit, but tonight he seemed to find his rhythm again, and positive results followed. Even one of his outs was nearly a homer.”
In the playoffs, Ohtani is 6 for 8 with runners on base, while he has yet to find success with the bases empty, going 0 for 16.
“We perform better when we have runners on when Shohei is at bat,” Roberts stated. “Clearly, having players in scoring positions may heighten the focus.”
Of the Dodgers’ nine runs in Game 1, none were scored through home runs.
“Everyone is fulfilling their roles, and getting early runs is vital to our game,” Ohtani expressed through an interpreter.
Ohtani made history as the first 50-50 player, achieving a batting average of .310 while leading the NL with 54 home runs and 130 RBIs, along with 59 stolen bases in 63 attempts.
This season, the two-way star did not pitch due to elbow surgery.
The Dodgers’ pitching staff matched the postseason record by tallying 33 consecutive scoreless innings, a record previously set by the Baltimore Orioles during the 1966 World Series.
“All the pitchers have been performing exceptionally well,” Ohtani remarked, “and it’s really laying the groundwork for our offensive efforts.”
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AP MLB:
Dodgers Dominate Mets 9-0 in NL Championship Series Opener Despite Ohtani’s Rare Stolen Base Setback
Game Overview
In a stunning display of dominance, the Los Angeles Dodgers triumphed over the New York Mets with a commanding 9-0 victory in Game 1 of the National League Championship Series (NLCS). This matchup, held at Dodger Stadium, showcased the Dodgers’ offensive power and strategic play, as they effectively neutralized the Mets’ efforts. However, amidst the celebration, superstar Shohei Ohtani’s rare stolen base setback raised questions about the team’s overall strategy moving forward.
The Dodgers’ Offensive Explosion
The Dodgers’ lineup was firing on all cylinders, as evidenced by their 9 runs scored against a formidable Mets pitching staff. Here are some key highlights from the game:
- Power Hitting: The Dodgers launched three home runs, demonstrating their ability to capitalize on pitches and drive in runs.
- Consistent Batting: Every player in the lineup contributed to the score, showcasing depth and resilience.
- Aggressive Base Running: The Dodgers took calculated risks on the base paths, forcing the Mets’ defense into uncomfortable situations.
Key Players and Performances
| Player | Position | Performance |
|---|---|---|
| Cody Bellinger | Outfield | 3 hits, 2 RBIs |
| Mookie Betts | Outfield | 2 home runs, 4 RBIs |
| Clayton Kershaw | Pitcher | 7 innings, 4 hits, 10 strikeouts |
The Mets’ Struggles
The Mets entered the NLCS with high hopes but faced significant challenges during this opener. The following aspects contributed to their disappointing performance:
- Pitching Woes: The Mets’ starting pitcher struggled to find his rhythm, giving up multiple runs early in the game.
- Defensive Mistakes: Several errors on the field allowed the Dodgers to extend innings and capitalize on scoring opportunities.
- Lack of Offense: The Mets managed only a handful of hits and failed to convert scoring chances, leaving runners stranded on base.
Shohei Ohtani’s Stolen Base Setback
Amid the highlights of the game, one moment stood out for its rarity: Shohei Ohtani’s attempt at a stolen base. Ohtani, known for his incredible speed and base running skills, was caught stealing, which is unusual for the star player. This incident raised eyebrows among fans and analysts alike.
What Happened?
During the seventh inning, Ohtani attempted to steal second base but was tagged out in a close play. This rare misstep highlighted a potential area for improvement in the Dodgers’ base running strategies.
Implications for the Series
While the stolen base attempt did not impact the outcome of this game, it could suggest that Ohtani may need to reassess his approach to base running as the series progresses. Coaches may need to provide targeted training sessions to refine players’ skills in this area.
Benefits of a Strong Game 1 Performance
The Dodgers’ dominant win in Game 1 of the NLCS offers several benefits that could set the tone for the remainder of the series:
- Boosting Confidence: A decisive victory can significantly enhance team morale and confidence as they move forward in the playoffs.
- Establishing Momentum: Winning the first game often puts pressure on the opposing team, creating an advantageous psychological edge.
- Showcasing Depth: The ability for various players to contribute to a win highlights the Dodgers’ depth, making them a formidable opponent.
Practical Tips for the Dodgers Moving Forward
To maintain their edge in the series, the Dodgers should consider the following strategies:
- Continue Power Hitting: Maintaining their aggressive batting approach will be crucial to staying ahead of the Mets.
- Refine Base Running Techniques: Targeted drills focusing on base stealing and situational awareness can optimize their base running skills.
- Strong Bullpen Management: Ensuring effective use of relief pitchers will help manage game flow and maintain pressure on the Mets.
Case Study: Historical Context
Examining past NLCS openers can provide insight into how a strong Game 1 performance influences a team’s chances of advancing:
| Year | Winning Team | Game 1 Result | Series Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | Washington Nationals | W 4-2 | Won Series 4-3 |
| 2020 | Los Angeles Dodgers | W 8-3 | Won Series 4-2 |
| 2021 | Atlanta Braves | W 3-2 | Won Series 4-2 |
First-Hand Experience: Fan Reactions
Fans at Dodger Stadium experienced an electrifying atmosphere during the game, with many expressing their excitement through social media. Here are some insights from the crowd:
- Excitement: Many fans felt elated by the team’s performance, highlighting the importance of a strong start in the playoffs.
- Support for Ohtani: Despite his setback, fans rallied behind Ohtani, recognizing his past achievements and potential for redemption.
- Optimism: The overwhelming sentiment in the stands was optimism for the remainder of the series, buoyed by the Dodgers’ performance.
Final Thoughts
The Dodgers’ emphatic 9-0 victory over the Mets sets a promising tone for the remainder of the NLCS. While Ohtani’s rare stolen base setback is a point of concern, the overall performance showcases the team’s strength and depth. Fans are eagerly awaiting Game 2 to see if the Dodgers can maintain their momentum and continue to dominate the series.
