We couldn’t win because the batting line wasn’t working.
The LA Dodgers lost 2-4 to the Arizona Diamondbacks in Game 2 of the 2023 Major League Division Series (3 wins out of 5) held at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, California, USA on the 10th (Korean time). The Dodgers were on the verge of losing the series.
Starting pitcher Bobby Miller performed poorly, allowing 1⅔ 4 hits, 2 walks, and 3 runs, but the Dodgers’ bullpen held Arizona’s batting lineup to rest and allowed the least number of runs. Ryan Brazer (2⅔ innings, 1 pitch, 1 home run, no walks, 3 strikeouts, 1 run) gave up only 1 run. Brusder Graterol, Joe Kelly, and Evan Phillips all did not give up additional points even in critical situations.
The cause of the loss in the game on this day was the ‘sweet potato batting line’. Dodgers hitters remained silent throughout the game. Of course, it’s not that there were no chances at all. He had a chance to score at the end of the game, but he repeatedly hit double plays and kicked the ball.
In particular, the silence of MVP duo Freddie Freeman and Mookie Betts was painful. Betts went 0-for-4, and Freeman went 1-for-4, but his performance was poor. All it took was an infield hit in the first inning. Freeman also failed to act as a problem solver at important moments.
Betts came to the plate in the 5th inning when the team was down 1-3 with one out and runners on first and second base. With a potential tying runner out, Betts hit a grounder to shortstop. Betts got on base due to a fielder’s choice, and with 2 outs and runners on 1st and 3rd, Freeman struck out after a full count and failed to chase.
It was the same in the 7th inning when we were losing 2-4. Betts, who started as the leadoff hitter, reached base due to a pitcher’s error. However, Freeman hit a ground ball to second base, leading to a double play. So Betts and Freeman failed to prevent the Dodgers from losing.
Betts has been playing his best this season. In 152 games, he recorded 39 home runs, 107 RBIs, a batting average of 0.307 (179 hits in 584 at-bats), an on-base percentage of 0.408, a slugging percentage of 0.579, and an OPS (on-base percentage + slugging percentage) of 0.987, making him a strong candidate for National League MVP. However, he did not have a single hit in this year’s postseason, going 0-for-7 with one walk and one run scored in two games.토토사이트
The same goes for Freeman. In 161 games, he hit hard with 29 home runs, 102 RBIs, a batting average of 0.331 (211 hits in 637 at-bats), an on-base percentage of 0.410, a slugging percentage of 0.567, and an OPS of 0.977, but in the postseason, he performed poorly with 1 hit in 6 at-bats, 2 walks, 1 run, and a batting average of 0.167 in 2 games.
The Dodgers have a low mound height. Therefore, the shortcomings must be overcome with the strength of the batting line. Betts and Freeman should lead the attack, but they are not providing much help. If the Dodgers’ batting lineup does not explode, and if Betts and Freeman’s batting skills do not come back to life, there is no victory.
