Dodgers Fall to Blue Jays, Face World Series Elimination Threat
The Los Angeles Dodgers face an elimination threat in the World Series after their recent loss to the Toronto Blue Jays. Currently, the series stands at 2-2, putting pressure on the team to make crucial changes ahead of Game 5.
Manager’s Lineup Changes Ahead of Game 5
Following a disappointing 6-2 defeat, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts has reassessed his struggling lineup. He confirmed multiple adjustments would be made for the upcoming game, stating he had “thought long and hard” about the batting order.
Key Changes in the Batting Order
- Mookie Betts, who has a mere .147 batting average over the last eight games, moved from the second spot to the third.
- Will Smith will now bat in the second position, taking the place of Betts.
- Andy Pages, with a dismal .080 batting average this postseason, has been benched in favor of Alex Call.
- Kiké Hernández has transitioned from left field to center field.
Roberts emphasized that these modifications were aimed at enhancing at-bat quality. He believes putting Call at the bottom could create opportunities for Ohtani at the top of the lineup.
The Dodgers’ Struggles at the Plate
The Dodgers’ recent performance has raised concerns, as reflected in their overall batting average of .214 during the series. This slump comes after an impressive showing in the wild-card round, where they managed to score 18 runs over two games. However, since then, they have had difficulty scoring, with only one game exceeding five runs.
Statistics Overview
| Postseason Phase | Batting Average |
|---|---|
| National League Division Series | .199 |
| National League Championship Series | .250 |
In their last 20 innings, the team has managed to score only three runs, raising alarms among players. First baseman Freddie Freeman acknowledged the need for a collective effort, emphasizing, “It can’t always just be Shohei.”
Looking Ahead
The Dodgers aim to overcome their offensive struggles in Game 5. Roberts pointed out that mechanical adjustments were needed for players like Betts. The focus now shifts to making impactful at-bats and putting pressure on the Blue Jays to keep their postseason hopes alive.
