Dodgers keep Ohtani in Game 3 lineup after Brewers take 2-0 NLCS lead
In short
Dave Roberts said Shohei Ohtani would start Game 3 despite his postseason batting slump. Milwaukee beat Los Angeles 7-4 in Game 2 to lead the best-of-seven National League Championship Series 2-0.
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Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said Shohei Ohtani would remain in the starting lineup for Game 3 of the National League Championship Series, after reports raised the possibility of leaving him out. Newsis reported the decision on October 14, Korean time, and quoted Roberts as saying Ohtani was healthy enough to play. The Dodgers had lost both opening games against the Milwaukee Brewers. [ 15 ]
Ohtani had three hits in 20 at-bats across six postseason games, a .150 batting average, with no home runs or RBIs. In the first two games against Milwaukee, he was 1-for-7. The Dodgers had moved him from the leadoff spot to fourth or fifth in the batting order during the postseason, but his batting slump continued, according to Asia Economy. [ 17 ]
Milwaukee won Game 2 at American Family Field 7-4 on October 13, Korean time. William Contreras hit a solo home run in the fifth inning to tie the score at 4-4, then drove in the go-ahead run in the sixth. Brice Turang and Jake Bauers added RBI hits in the eighth. Contreras finished with three hits in four at-bats and three RBIs. [ 2 , 4 ]
Dodgers starter Yoshinobu Yamamoto allowed three runs over 2⅔ innings, giving up four hits and two walks before leaving the game. Milwaukee starter Logan Henderson allowed four runs, two earned, in four innings and committed two errors. The Brewers' bullpen then kept Los Angeles scoreless over the remaining five innings, Yonhap reported. [ 2 , 4 ]
The Brewers lead the best-of-seven series 2-0 after losing all four games to the Dodgers in last year's NLCS. Milwaukee is two wins from its first World Series appearance since 1982. The Dodgers need four wins in the remaining five games to reach the World Series and continue their bid for three consecutive championships. [ 2 , 3 , 4 , 19 ]
Why it matters
The Dodgers must win four of the remaining five games to reach the World Series and pursue a third consecutive title. Milwaukee is two wins from its first World Series appearance since 1982.
Key facts
- Roberts said Ohtani would be in the Game 3 starting lineup and was fit enough to play. [ 15 , 17 ]
- Milwaukee won Game 2 7-4 at American Family Field on October 13, Korean time. [ 4 ]
- William Contreras went 3-for-4 with a home run and three RBIs in Game 2. [ 2 , 4 ]
- Ohtani had three hits in 20 at-bats over six postseason games, a .150 average. [ 15 , 17 , 19 ]