UPDATE: The Los Angeles Dodgers are poised for the World Series after a stunning 4-0 sweep of the Milwaukee Brewers, but now face a critical challenge: maintaining their momentum during a six-day break before the championship series begins. The World Series is set to start on October 27, 2023, with locations contingent on the outcome of the American League Championship Series.
The Dodgers, who have won nine out of ten postseason games, are entering the World Series for the fifth time in nine years. Their recent success, including a five-game winning streak to end the regular season, has created high expectations. However, the team must now navigate the uncertainties of a lengthy pause before their next game.
“We’re going to have to get creative,” said Andrew Friedman, Dodgers president of baseball operations, regarding how the team plans to fill this unexpected downtime. “We’re going to celebrate hard tonight and then we’ll start planning.” The Dodgers will not hold workouts on Saturday or Sunday, focusing instead on strategy and preparation from the front office.
The team’s remarkable performance has been bolstered by superstar Shohei Ohtani, whose historic plays have left fans and opponents in awe. The challenge now lies in preserving the winning spirit through a week of live batting practice and intrasquad games.
Historically, the last two teams that swept their league championship series— the 2022 Houston Astros and the 2019 Washington Nationals—continued their winning streak into the World Series. In contrast, the previous four teams that swept before those years faltered, accumulating only four wins combined in the championship series that followed.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts identified a turning point in early September, following back-to-back walkoff losses against the Baltimore Orioles. “We started playing better baseball,” Roberts stated. “Whether it’s me talking to players or them talking amongst themselves, we needed to tighten some things up.” This pivot has led to an impressive 24 wins in 30 games since that moment.
Veteran infielder Miguel Rojas credited Roberts for reigniting the team’s drive. “It was a powerful message. He knows when to talk to us, and that was the perfect time,” Rojas explained, emphasizing the importance of their recent meetings as a catalyst for change.
As postseason baseball continues, relief pitcher Alex Vesia expressed the relief players feel now that the regular season is over. “You get in, and it’s just take it one game at a time,” he said, showcasing the shift from a long season to the intensity of October.
Despite a 93-win regular season that some viewed as disappointing, players remain confident in their capabilities. “We’ve always known who we were as a team,” said third baseman Max Muncy. “You’re going to go through ups and downs. Now you’re starting to see it.”
As the Dodgers prepare for their World Series journey, fans and analysts alike are eager to see if they can sustain their momentum and secure a championship title. Stay tuned for updates as the series approaches and the stakes rise.
