Facing elimination in Game 4 of the National League Division Series, the Los Angeles Dodgers needed a spark. That spark came from Kiké Hernández, who delivered a brief but powerful message to his team. “Forget them all,” Hernández told his teammates during a hitters' meeting, rallying the squad just in time.
It worked. The Dodgers silenced their doubters and the Padres with a 2-0 victory in Game 5, advancing to the National League Championship Series for the first time since 2021. They are now just eight wins away from their ultimate goal.
Dodgers’ Resilience Shines
From the start of Spring Training, the Dodgers were determined to change the narrative surrounding their postseason failures in recent years. They entered Friday’s game knowing it was a chance they couldn’t afford to waste. And they delivered, with Hernández igniting the Dodgers’ offense in the second inning with a solo home run off Padres ace Yu Darvish. It was Hernández’s 14th career postseason home run, and it set the tone for the night. Later, in the seventh inning, Teoscar Hernández added a solo shot of his own, also off Darvish, giving the Dodgers a 2-0 lead.
Inside the clubhouse, Hernández's message was simple:Put each other first and disregard the commotion. Hernández said, "We have faith in one another; we do not care who wins or loses."
Dominant Pitching Seals the Win
While the offense provided the necessary runs, it was the Dodgers’ pitching staff that stole the show. Making the most critical start of his career, Yoshinobu Yamamoto delivered five scoreless innings, handling the Padres' lineup with ease. The only threat came from a Fernando Tatis Jr. at-bat, but Yamamoto induced an inning-ending double play to escape trouble.
The bullpen followed suit, with Evan Phillips, Alex Vesia, Michael Kopech, and Blake Treinen combining for four scoreless innings to secure the win. This dominant performance marked 24 consecutive scoreless innings by the Dodgers’ pitching staff, a testament to their strength.
Andrew Friedman, president of baseball activities for the Dodgers, remarked, "I can not say much about this squad." “Our bullpen was exceptional. They were all incredible. We knew that was a strength coming into the series, but to see it unfold like this shows how talented and cohesive this group is.”
Overcoming Adversity
The Dodgers' season has been a testament to perseverance. Injuries plagued the team throughout the year, with key players like Tyler Glasnow, Gavin Stone, Clayton Kershaw, and Yamamoto missing significant time. Walker Buehler was also sidelined twice, and on the offensive side, stars like Freddie Freeman, Mookie Betts, and Max Muncy all dealt with lengthy injuries.
Despite the challenges, the Dodgers stuck together. They finished the regular season with the best record in baseball, a feat made even more remarkable given the adversity they faced. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts praised the character of his team. “We never made excuses. This team has more grit and determination than any group I’ve been part of,” he said.
Job’s Not Finished
While the Dodgers celebrated their victory on Friday, they know there’s still work to be done. Inside the clubhouse, a message on the video board displayed a quote from Lakers legend Kobe Bryant: “Job’s not finished.” It’s a reminder that the Dodgers still have a long road ahead, beginning with Game 1 of the NLCS against the New York Mets on Sunday.
The Dodgers proved they are not to be underestimated as the entire baseball world watched this highly anticipated series between two division rivals.We want to change the plot," second baseman Gavin Lux said. This group has persevered through hardships the entire year, and we are competitive. That has strengthened us.
With eight wins standing between them and a World Series title, the Dodgers have shown they are ready for whatever comes next.
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