Dodgers Face Must-Win NLCS Game 3 Led By Blake Snell

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Dodgers Face a Must-Win Game 3 as Ohtani and the Offense Search for Answers

The Dodgers enter Game 3 of the National League Championship Series down two games to none, with Blake Snell potentially coming to the rescue. It is a win-or-go-home situation for Los Angeles, as another loss would effectively end any realistic hope of winning the series.

Ohtani remains in the lineup despite earlier uncertainty about whether he would play. His impromptu discussion with reporters created the impression that a decision may have been made and then changed. Because Ohtani rarely speaks publicly, the conversation suggested that he may be taking responsibility for the decision to remain in the lineup.

His postseason performance has become a major concern. Ohtani is hitting .150 and has not driven in a run in the playoffs. That changes how opposing teams approach the hitters around him because he has not presented the same threat he normally would against either left-handed or right-handed pitching.

The entire Dodgers offense has struggled badly against left-handers. Over its last 29 plate appearances against left-handed pitching, Los Angeles has two walks and no hits in 27 at-bats. Those struggles stretch back to the final game of the Braves series.

Dave Roberts appears willing to mix, match and shuffle the lineup in an effort to jump-start the offense. The Dodgers have become a boom-or-bust team that depends heavily on home runs. If they hit three home runs in Game 3, they could win. If they hit only one, they may lose. They benefited from Henderson throwing the ball away and from a couple of Milwaukee errors, but otherwise the offense has offered few encouraging signs.

Scoring first could also be critical. Teams that have scored first this postseason are 19-10, meaning nearly 70% have gone on to win. If Los Angeles scores first against Gasser, that could be an important indicator for the rest of the game.

Despite this being the Dodgers’ best opportunity to respond, their status as a substantial favorite is surprising against a team described as the best in baseball.

The upcoming schedule will also bring a throwback feel, with the ALCS and NLCS featuring daytime action because of the weather. The Cleveland game was moved from 6 p.m. to 1 p.m., while Game 3 in Los Angeles is scheduled for 5 p.m. Pacific and 8 p.m. Eastern. Temperatures are expected to be in the 80s in Los Angeles, while Cleveland will be cooler.