The Los Angeles Dodgers bested the Philadelphia Phillies in four games during the NLDS. They ended the Phillies' season on a walk-off error, thanks to a blunder from Orion Kerkering.
It was nearly a team effort for the Blue Crew; however, one key player seemed unable to get it going in that series. Shohei Ohtani went only 1-for-18, struggling mightily against Philadelphia's left-handed pitchers.
Manager Dave Roberts pointed to Ohtani's decision-making at the plate as one of his downfalls during the series, via Dodgers Nation. He wants to see the slugger put himself in a better position to hunt mistakes.
Dodgers' star expects Shohei Ohtani to shine bright in the NLCS
Luckily for Shohei Ohtani and the Dodgers, they have an extended break as they wait for the Chicago Cubs and Milwaukee Brewers series to finish. They will take on the winner of that matchup in the NLCS starting on Monday.
That is quite a long reset when compared to the regular season. Ohtani should have plenty of time to come up with a new plan of attack, and Will Smith expects him to have a breakout series, via the Los Angeles Times' Bill Shaikin.
"I think there's another gear," said Smith. "Look at Shohei. ... He didn't do much this series. I expect next series for him to come out and hit like five homers. That's just who he is."
Ohtani does not need to hit five home runs for the Dodgers to find success. They can take their game to a whole new level in the postseason if Ohtani can just get back on track like he did during the regular season.