Shohei Ohtani played a pivotal role in the Los Angeles Dodgers' run to the World Series. World Seriesespecially during a season marred by numerous injuries.
Ohtani Is Key With Power At Bat And Speed At The Bases
His contribution was vital in leading the team to the best regular-season record in the majors. Ohtani, acquired as a free agent, signed a historic 10-year, $700 million contract with the Dodgers, and his performance throughout the season lived up to expectations.
His ability not only stood out for his power at bat, but also for his ability to run the bases, which increased his value. In the National League Championship Series (NLCS) against the New York Mets, Ohtani was key, batting .364 with two home runs and six RBIs, underscoring his impact in all facets of the game.
In Game 6 of the NLCS, the Dodgers secured their ticket to the World Series with a 10-5 victory over the Mets. The win was keyed by home runs from Tommy Edman and Will Smith, which sealed Ohtani's first trip to the World Series. Edman, acquired mid-season from the St. Louis Cardinals, was particularly outstanding in the series.
His Game 6 performance, in which he drove in four runs and hit a two-run home run, underscored his dominance in the postseason. With a total of 11 RBIs in the NLCS, he matched the franchise record set by Corey Seager in 2020. His efforts were key to the Dodgers' success, especially considering the injury challenges the team faced.
The Dodgers' 25th National League pennant, a historic achievement, came in their fourth appearance in the last eight years. This was the first time since 1988 that the Dodgers secured the pennant at home, a fitting parallel to their victory over the Mets that same year.
Dodgers and Yankees prepare for the World Series
This win set the stage for their 22nd World Series appearance, and 13th since the team moved to Los Angeles. The Dodgers last won the World Series in 2020, during the pandemic-shortened season, and are now on the verge of their eighth championship.
As the Dodgers prepare to face the New York Yankees in the upcoming World Series, anticipation is high for a classic showdown between two of baseball's most iconic franchises.
This will be the 12th time the Dodgers and Yankees have met in the World Series, with the Yankees holding the advantage, having won eight of the previous 11 meetings.
The Yankees' return to the World Series after a 15-year absence adds excitement, as does the showdown between the league's top two home run hitters-Aaron Judge, who led MLB with 58 homers, and Ohtani, who wasn't far behind with 54.
Injuries were a recurring issue for the Dodgers throughout the season, affecting key players at various times. However, the team showed remarkable depth, with several players stepping up when needed.
Dodgers reliever Evan Phillips noted that while injuries were not part of the plan, the team had prepared for a season in which several players would have to contribute significantly.
Ohtani, in particular, shouldered much of the responsibility during the regular season, especially when injuries to other star players threatened to halt the team's momentum.
The Impact of Tommy Edman
One of the standout stories of the Dodgers' postseason has been Tommy Edman, whose impact has exceeded expectations. Acquired from the St. Louis Cardinals at the trade deadline, Edman was named NLCS MVP for his outstanding performance.
His 11 RBIs matched a franchise record, and his contributions in Game 6-especially his two-run double that gave the Dodgers an early lead, followed by a two-run home run-were defining moments in the game.
Manager Dave Roberts praised Edman for his ability to shine at key moments, both offensively and defensively, during the postseason.
Rookie pitcher Ben Casparius also played a key role in Game 6, securing four crucial outs and picking up the win, while Blake Treinen pitched two solid innings to earn the save.
This marked Treinen's first two-inning appearance since the 2021 NLCS, highlighting the Dodgers' confidence in their bullpen due to an injury-depleted starting rotation. The team used seven pitchers in Game 6, reflecting the collective effort needed to overcome the Mets and advance to the World Series.
For the New York Mets, their elimination was a tough blow, particularly given their $332 million payroll, the highest in baseball. Despite their financial investment and a late comeback that saw them secure the final National League wild card spot, they failed to reach the World Series.
The participating teams of the Club World Cup 2025! 🌎🏆
🐐 #LionelMessi 's #InterMiami will be the host club in the tournament.
🎟 The last ticket will go to the champion of the #Libertadores 2024. pic.twitter.com/FltxSLgb1s- Betcris (@Betcris) October 21, 2024
Game Highlights 6
The Mets came close to mounting a comeback in Game 6, with key moments including a go-ahead single by Pete Alonso and a two-run home run by Mark Vientos. However, they left the bases loaded twice, unable to capitalize on scoring opportunities.
Dodgers relievers Anthony Banda and Evan Phillips shut down these threats, sealing the Mets' fate.
The Dodgers outscored the Mets 40-26 in the six-game NLCS, a testament to their offensive power. Along with Edman, catcher Will Smith was a key contributor, connecting on a 416-foot home run in Game 6.
In addition, Teoscar Hernandez snapped an 0-for-18 losing streak with a single that helped set the stage for Edman's key double in the first inning.
The absence of first baseman Freddie Freeman in Game 6 was notable. Freeman, who had been a key player all season, missed the game due to a sprained right ankle.
His injury also kept him out of Game 4 of both the National League Divisional Series and NLCS series, but the Dodgers were able to overcome his absence thanks to contributions from other players.
The Dodgers' offseason spending was a key factor in their success. The team invested $1 billion in contracts, with Shohei Ohtani and Japanese pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto being two of the major acquisitions.
These moves were made with the goal of winning their eighth World Series title, and have been instrumental in getting the Dodgers to this point.
