Steve Webb
LOS ANGELES, CA — In an intense NLDS Game 1, the Los Angeles Dodgers fought back to secure a 7-5 victory over the San Diego Padres, demonstrating resilience and determination, key traits that manager Dave Roberts has emphasized throughout the season. After the game, Roberts spoke about how the Dodgers managed to overcome a rough start and maintain focus through the challenging moments.
“We showed some resilience,” Roberts said. “We took a blow, responded, and… continued to fight back. It speaks to the character of this group.” This ability to fight back, even when momentum seemed to swing in the Padres’ favor, was something Roberts had been calling for in the weeks leading up to the playoffs.
The game didn’t begin ideally for the Dodgers, as their starter struggled to settle in, putting the team in a 2-0 hole. But Roberts remained calm, trusting in the team’s depth and experience to handle the situation. “It wasn’t an ideal start, but the bullpen picked us up, and the offense was relentless,” he noted, praising the group effort from both sides of the ball.
A pivotal moment came in the third inning when Shohei Ohtani crushed a home run that energized both the team and the crowd. Roberts acknowledged how significant this moment was for the Dodgers’ momentum. “Sho’s home run just gave us life,” Roberts said. “From pitch one, the fans were engaged, and the energy was there. It was a huge hit that got us back in the game.”
Ohtani’s performance with runners in scoring position has been nothing short of remarkable. Roberts highlighted Ohtani’s consistency in those situations, pointing out that he’s been “insane” in clutch moments. “He’s like 14 for his last 17 with RISP,” Roberts marveled. “The key is getting him those opportunities because he’s just been so reliable when it matters most.”
Another key play in the game came courtesy of Freddie Freeman, whose aggressive baserunning and stolen base added an extra spark to the team’s offense. Despite dealing with an injury, Freeman pushed himself to make the play, and it paid off. Roberts joked about Freeman’s competitive spirit: “I try to tell him to play with a governor, but he doesn’t understand what that means,” he said with a smile.
Roberts also spoke about the bullpen’s role in securing the win, as they stepped up after the starter struggled early. “The guys in the pen picked us up,” Roberts said. “We had to manage the game, and I felt that pulling our starter when we did gave us the best chance.” Roberts admitted that there were some nervy moments, especially during key at-bats like Manny Machado’s, but he trusted his bullpen to hold the line, and they did just that.
One of the pivotal aspects of the game was the Dodgers’ ability to manufacture runs and grind through at-bats, even when trailing. “It’s easy to panic when you’re behind, especially in a postseason game,” Roberts explained. “But our guys did a good job of staying patient, taking walks, and getting the pitch count up. That’s experience and trust in the process.”
Reflecting on the overall offensive performance, Roberts was pleased with how the team responded, especially after a season filled with injuries and rotation challenges. “We’ve dealt with a lot, but when we score five or more runs, we’re 70-13 this season,” he said. “It’s great to see the offense step up like they did tonight, with both small ball and the big swing from Shohei.”
As for the Padres’ strategy, Roberts expressed surprise when Mookie Betts was intentionally walked after getting two strikes. “I think Mookie was surprised too,” Roberts said. “But it shows the respect they have for him as a hitter.”
Looking ahead, Roberts remains focused on taking the series one game at a time but expressed confidence in both his team’s depth and their ability to fight through adversity. “Shohei’s ability to embrace these big moments is special,” Roberts said. “When you have a player like that, it helps everyone else feel a little more relaxed.”
The Dodgers will look to build on this momentum heading into Game 2, confident that their resilience and fight can carry them deep into the postseason.
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