Reversal of roles at the top of each team’s lineup
The Dodgers’ Big Three carried the team in Game 1, with Shohei Ohtani, Mookie Betts and Freddie Freeman finishing a combined 5-of-11 at the plate with five RBI, three walks and no strikeouts. Meanwhile, the top half of New York’s lineup was silent, failing to record a hit across 17 at-bats while striking out seven times.
However, the roles were flipped in Game 2. Los Angeles’ top five hitters were 0-for-19 with five walks and nine strikeouts, three of which came in the ninth inning. The Mets, on the other hand, saw their top five hitters get back on track, finishing 7-of-22 with three walks while driving six of the team’s seven runs.
The Mets have proven they are a dangerous team with momentum on their side. For that reason, Los Angeles desperately needs the top of its batting order to return to form in Game 3.
Dodgers’ loss falls on Roberts
Sure, it’s easy to say in hindsight, but the fact remains that Roberts mismanaged yet another postseason game for the Dodgers.
The decision to throw a bullpen game was somewhat questionable, considering right-hander Walker Buehler was fresh enough to start and would be available later in the series if necessary. Before Monday’s game, Roberts told reporters that he preferred to start Buehler in Game 3 at Citi Field due to the two-time All-Star’s “experience.”
While a fair point, it was undoubtedly a risk with the chance to take a commanding 2-0 lead in the series before heading on the road for three games. Of course, the move to throw a bullpen game didn’t pan out, but it’s possible it could have if Roberts had made a better decision in the second inning.
For someone who cited experience as a reason not to start Buehler, Roberts didn’t seem concerned about Knack’s lack thereof. Knack, a 2020 second-round pick, made just 15 appearances in the regular season and was one of Los Angeles’ worst pitchers on the team’s NLCS roster. Credit to the Mets for erupting for five runs in the frame, but Roberts should’ve used one of his high-leverage arms.
Roberts’ reluctance to bring in one of his better relievers also played a role later in the game.
Although the Dodgers cut New York’s lead to 6-3 in the sixth, Roberts surprisingly didn’t call on his high-leverage arms. Roberts stuck with right-hander Brent Honeywell for the seventh inning before turning to Edgardo Henriquez, a rookie who made three appearances in the regular season, which proved costly as the Mets tacked on an insurance run in the ninth.
Perhaps Roberts didn’t want to show his hand for later in the series. Still, managing as if the game was out of reach while only down by three runs was a massive mistake, especially with an off day on Tuesday.
