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Another 100-win season leads to another October flop for Dodgers

by Sophia Chen
5 comments
Dodgers' postseason performance

Consistent Postseason Woes Shadow Dominant Dodgers’ Regular Seasons

For the third consecutive year, the Los Angeles Dodgers’ sterling performance in the regular season, with 100 or more wins, was overshadowed by an underwhelming postseason performance. Their latest setback was a three-game sweep in the Division Series by the Arizona Diamondbacks, concluding in a 4-2 defeat. This trend underscores a broader discussion on the implications of the expanded playoffs on the significance of regular-season triumphs.

Dodgers’ manager Dave Roberts acknowledged their shortcomings, stating, “In recent years, we’ve been outperformed when it matters most. Regardless of the series’ length, we failed to win the initial games. It’s my responsibility to ensure our team is postseason-ready.”

The Dodgers have an impressive record of making it to the playoffs for 11 consecutive years, a feat surpassed only by the Atlanta Braves and the New York Yankees in MLB history. Of those appearances, they clinched the NL West title 10 times. However, their sole World Series victory in this period came after the 2020 season, which was shortened due to the pandemic.

With Roberts at the helm, the team achieved 100+ wins in five out of the last six full seasons. Their performance from April to September each year has been exemplary. Yet, come October, their star-studded lineup, bolstered by a significant $222 million opening-day payroll, seemed to falter.

Kiké Hernández, the Dodgers’ center fielder, expressed his disappointment, labeling their recent exit as “embarrassing.”

The team’s recent postseason history is marked by exits against teams with significantly fewer regular-season wins. For instance, after their 106-win record in 2021, they were bested by the Atlanta Braves, who won 18 fewer games. Similarly, the Dodgers’ top-of-the-league 111 wins the following year didn’t prevent their Division Series defeat to San Diego, a team with 22 fewer victories.

Their pitchers, including Clayton Kershaw, Bobby Miller, and Lance Lynn, struggled profoundly, with a combined 0-3 record and an ERA of 25.07 over three games. The bullpen, consequently, was overstretched, accounting for 64 of 78 outs. The batting lineup, which had thrived in the regular season, also dimmed, with star players Mookie Betts and Freddie Freeman underperforming.

Betts candidly stated, “My recent postseason performance hasn’t been up to par. Despite various challenges, it’s essential to perform, which I haven’t.”

The team’s top hitters, Betts, Freeman, Max Muncy, and J.D. Martinez, who all exceeded 100 RBIs in the season, combined for a mere single RBI against the Diamondbacks. Muncy lamented the team’s consistent failure to capitalize on scoring opportunities in critical moments, a shortfall evident over the past few years.

The Dodgers’ recent sweep by the Diamondbacks marked their first such postseason defeat since 2006, tying them with the franchise’s second-longest postseason losing streak. The future remains uncertain for some players, like 10-time All-Star Kershaw, who concluded his $20 million annual contract and has yet to announce his plans for the forthcoming season.

For additional MLB updates, visit AP MLB.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Dodgers’ postseason performance

Why did the Los Angeles Dodgers underperform in the postseason despite strong regular seasons?

The Los Angeles Dodgers, despite their dominant regular season performances, struggled in the postseason due to various factors, including underperformance from key players, ineffective pitching, and an inability to capitalize on critical moments.

How many times in a row did the Dodgers achieve 100 or more wins in the regular season?

The Los Angeles Dodgers achieved 100 or more wins in three consecutive regular seasons.

Who is the manager of the Los Angeles Dodgers?

Dave Roberts is the manager of the Los Angeles Dodgers.

How did key players like Mookie Betts and Freddie Freeman perform in the postseason?

Both Mookie Betts and Freddie Freeman underperformed in the postseason. Betts had a batting average of .079 over his last 10 postseason games, while Freeman and Betts combined for a series performance of 1 for 21 against the Diamondbacks.

Which team eliminated the Dodgers in the recent Division Series?

The Dodgers were eliminated by the Arizona Diamondbacks in the recent Division Series.

How long have the Dodgers been making consecutive playoff appearances?

The Los Angeles Dodgers have reached the playoffs for 11 consecutive years.

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5 comments

Ricky B. October 12, 2023 - 12:12 pm

After this many postseason flops, you gotta wonder: is it just bad luck or something deeper going on with the team dynamics? Not sure. but it’s heartbreaking every time.

Reply
Sarah Q. October 12, 2023 - 3:11 pm

Kershaw, Betts and Freeman. All underperformed. Is it too much pressure? Or is the other team just getting in their heads.

Reply
Mike D. October 12, 2023 - 3:44 pm

I can’t believe the dodgers choked again. I mean with that kind of regular season you’d expect them to atleast make it to the finals! C’mon man.

Reply
Jenny L. October 12, 2023 - 9:20 pm

Dave Roberts is a great manager, but he needs to figure this postseason thing out. Maybe we need a shakeup in the roster?

Reply
KevinT October 13, 2023 - 5:42 am

So frustrating being a Dodgers fan sometimes. We dominate all year and then… this. why???

Reply

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