The Los Angeles Dodgers opened their 2024 season in South Korea, caught in controversy due to a gambling scandal involving Shohei Ohtani’s interpreter. Despite the rocky start and a season plagued by injuries that sidelined their entire starting rotation at one point, the Dodgers have emerged stronger than ever. On Sunday night, they celebrated in front of their roaring fans at Dodger Stadium, as the iconic “I Love LA” echoed throughout the stands. For the fourth time in eight years, the Dodgers are heading back to the World Series, capturing the National League pennant by routing the New York Mets, 10-5, to win the NLCS 4 games to 2.
Shohei Ohtani’s Impactful Arrival
The arrival of Shohei Ohtani to the Dodgers in the offseason was nothing short of a seismic shift in Major League Baseball. Ohtani, the two-way superstar, brought his incredible skill set to an already stacked Dodgers lineup, immediately making his presence felt as both a pitcher and hitter. While Ohtani’s 2024 season was not without its challenges, including managing his workload and dealing with minor injuries, his contributions during the postseason were crucial to the Dodgers’ success.
In Game 6 of the NLCS, Ohtani played a key role in securing the Dodgers’ commanding lead. With the Dodgers holding a 7-4 advantage heading into the eighth inning, Chris Taylor and Ohtani got on base to start the inning, setting the stage for another scoring surge. Mookie Betts followed with a double, driving in a run, and Teoscar Hernández hit a sacrifice fly to bring in Ohtani, widening the Dodgers’ lead to 10-4. Ohtani’s speed and ability to get on base were critical in the late-game push that sealed the Dodgers’ victory and their ticket to the World Series.
The winning moment for the @Dodgers! #NLCS pic.twitter.com/nyTHqisUbr
— MLB (@MLB) October 21, 2024
A New Journey to the Fall Classic
Ohtani’s presence has not only added a new dimension to the Dodgers’ offense but also re-energized the team and its fans. His versatility—both on the mound and at the plate—has made him a fan favorite in Los Angeles. Alongside veterans like Mookie Betts and Freddie Freeman, Ohtani has been instrumental in the Dodgers’ resurgence. Despite battling injuries to nearly every starting pitcher at some point this season, the team found ways to win, relying on Ohtani’s ability to change the game in an instant.
The Dodgers’ ability to mix experience with young talent was evident throughout the season, and their resilience was showcased in the NLCS against the Mets. The series highlighted their depth, especially with Ohtani’s contributions, as well as the timely performances from stars across the lineup.
Shohei Ohtani: A Key to Postseason Success
Ohtani’s unique ability to dominate both as a pitcher and hitter gives the Dodgers an advantage no other team in baseball has. Although his pitching role was reduced toward the end of the regular season due to concerns over workload, Ohtani’s offensive production has been stellar. His ability to deliver in high-pressure situations has been a difference-maker in October, including key hits and runs that have swung the momentum in several games.
As a two-way player, Ohtani has become a critical weapon in the Dodgers’ pursuit of another championship. His presence on the mound gives the Dodgers the flexibility they need to manage their pitching staff more effectively, especially in a postseason where depth is everything. Meanwhile, his consistent bat has helped the Dodgers push through injuries and tough matchups.
Looking Ahead: The Dodgers and Ohtani in the World Series
As the Dodgers prepare for their World Series showdown against the New York Yankees, Shohei Ohtani will undoubtedly be one of the focal points. His unique skill set and his ability to make an impact in every aspect of the game will be crucial in the series ahead. Ohtani, along with Betts, Freeman, and other key contributors, has a chance to lead the Dodgers to their second World Series title in four years.
The Dodgers’ return to the World Series is a testament to their organizational strength, resilience, and ability to adapt. Ohtani, despite the off-field distractions and the early-season turmoil, has proven to be the catalyst that pushed the Dodgers over the edge. Now, with the World Series looming, Dodgers fans can only hope that Ohtani’s heroics continue as they look to capture their eighth championship in franchise history.
