Mookie Betts acknowledged how difficult it has been to watch Shohei Ohtani struggle at the plate as the Los Angeles Dodgers fell behind the Milwaukee Brewers 2-0 in the National League Championship Series.
Ohtani has yet to find his rhythm offensively through the first two games. The Dodgers lost 2-1 in Sunday’s opener before dropping a 7-4 decision Monday, leaving them needing a response when the series moves to Los Angeles.
Betts expressed confidence that Ohtani is working to turn things around, while making clear how much the Dodgers need their superstar to produce.
“It’s hard. It’s hard to see. He’s working and hopefully he gets out of it. We know he’s working,” Betts said, according to Bill Plunkett of the Orange County Register. “Yeah, that’s a big one. We need him for sure.”
Ohtani went 0-for-4 with two strikeouts in Monday’s loss, dropping to 1-for-7 through the first two games of the NLCS. His struggles have become a concern for a Dodgers lineup that needs more production to challenge Milwaukee’s pitching staff.
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The Brewers have taken advantage of their opportunities, scoring seven runs in Game 2 after limiting Los Angeles to one run in the series opener. Milwaukee finished the regular season 103-59, while the Dodgers went 100-62. Both teams entered the NLCS among the National League’s strongest clubs, but the Brewers now have a significant advantage in the best-of-seven matchup.
Ohtani’s production remains particularly important given his place in the Dodgers’ lineup. His ability to change a game with his bat makes him a central part of their offensive plans, and Betts’ comments reflect the team’s need for him to regain his form.
The Dodgers now return home for Game 3 on Wednesday, Oct. 14, with their deficit leaving little room for error. They will need a stronger offensive performance to avoid falling further behind, while Ohtani will have another opportunity to break out of his slump.
