The Arizona Diamondbacks are posing a serious threat to the Los Angeles Dodgers’ postseason hopes in their National League Division Series (NLDS) showdown. Despite finishing second in the NL West, the Diamondbacks are proving that regular-season success does not guarantee an advantage in the playoffs.
The Dodgers, coming off three consecutive 100-win seasons, find themselves facing the harsh reality of postseason baseball. The nature of the game does not take into account a team’s regular-season record or the talent on its roster. It is a cold and sometimes cruel affair that can expose weaknesses and punish underperformance.
In the first two games of the NLDS, the Dodgers have been unable to find answers to the challenges posed by the Diamondbacks. In Game 1, Clayton Kershaw struggled, conceding six runs in the first inning. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts admitted that sometimes a player must acknowledge when they weren’t good enough on a particular day.
While the Dodgers boast a stronger pitching staff than the Diamondbacks, injuries and off-field issues have disrupted their rotation. On the other hand, the timing of the playoffs enabled the Diamondbacks to deploy their top starters, Zac Gallen and Merrill Kelly, in Games 1 and 2. Gallen, in particular, delivered an impressive performance against the Dodgers.
The timing factor also played a role in key moments of the series. Dodgers hitters Mookie Betts and Freddie Freeman, usually reliable contributors, have been relatively quiet in terms of hits. Additionally, in a crucial at-bat during Game 2, Dodgers pinch-hitter Kolten Wong failed to deliver against D-backs reliever Ryan Thompson.
The playoffs serve as a reminder of the difficulties of achieving success at the highest level of competition. For the Diamondbacks, who entered the playoffs as the sixth seed after a four-game losing streak, a fresh start has always been an opportunity rather than a hindrance.
With the Dodgers now facing a 0-2 deficit heading into Game 3, they have the chance to take advantage of the urgency of October baseball. Veteran Lance Lynn will take the mound for the Dodgers, hoping to salvage their season. Lynn will face off against Brandon Pfaadt, a rookie who struggled in his first season in the MLB.
It remains to be seen how the series will unfold, but one thing is clear: the postseason offers a clean slate for every team, regardless of their regular-season accomplishments. The Dodgers must prove themselves on the field and overcome the challenges posed by the relentless Diamondbacks if they hope to keep their postseason dreams alive.
