LOS ANGELES – The Los Angeles Dodgers, a team of star power and substantial financial backing, discovered that what they needed most to succeed wasn’t just talent, but grit and determination. Facing elimination in the National League Division Series (NLDS) against their rivals, the San Diego Padres, the Dodgers found their edge—and it carried them to victory.
Dodgers Rally Around Defiant Spirit
As injuries mounted and doubts grew during the final stretch of their season, a simple yet fiery message emerged within the Dodgers' team chat, motivating the squad to press forward. After a thrilling 2-0 win over the Padres in Game 5 at Dodger Stadium, Dodgers' third baseman Max Muncy shared the rallying cry: “F--- them all.”
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The Dodgers overcame hardship thanks to their cohesive mindset. After Yoshinobu Yamamoto pitched five solid innings and Kiké and Teoscar Hernández hit home runs, the Dodgers moved to the National League Final Tournament (NLCS) where they will play the first game of the series against the New York Mets on Sunday.
Overcoming Challenges and Injuries
Despite a depleted postseason rotation and star player Freddie Freeman struggling with a severe ankle sprain, the Dodgers proved resilient. Manager Dave Roberts compared the team’s triumph to past playoff comebacks, particularly the 2020 NLCS against the Atlanta Braves, where the Dodgers clawed their way back from a 3-1 series deficit to reach the World Series.
Roberts, who has led the team through highs and lows over his nine-year tenure, spoke highly of the team's tenacity. "I believe in this team more than any team I've had," he remarked, confident that their blend of talent and determination could overcome any obstacle.
Dodgers Defy the Odds
Although the Dodgers won 98 regular-season games and secured their 11th division title in 12 years, many viewed them as underdogs in this NLDS matchup. The Padres were healthier, boasting a deeper rotation, a powerful bullpen, and an offense in top form. Yet, this only fueled the Dodgers' drive.
We were supposed to lose, according to nearly all of the f---ing experts, right? After the game, Muncy made an inquiry. "Its people—f——. We understand who we are.
A Shared Determination Among Players
Following their Game 4 loss in the 2020 NLCS, the Dodgers' players began circulating motivational messages in their group chat. The same camaraderie resurfaced after Game 3 of this year's NLDS when the Dodgers fell behind 2-1 in the series. Kiké Hernández, a player known for sparking energy, took on a leadership role, sharing a message that resonated with his teammates: “F--- everybody. Everyone that's not in this clubhouse.”
Hernández's belief in the team extended to his personal connection with Teoscar Hernández. Before Game 5, the two joked about becoming the first pair of Hernándezes to hit home runs in the same postseason game. They turned it into a reality on Friday.
Big Hits from the Hernández Duo
In the second inning, Kiké Hernández crushed a first-pitch fastball 428 feet to left-center field, putting the Dodgers on the scoreboard with a 1-0 lead. Five innings later, Teoscar Hernández delivered a 420-foot home run off a Yu Darvish slider, extending the lead to 2-0.
Teoscar Hernández has been a fixture in the Dodgers’ lineup, while Kiké Hernández, in his eighth season with the team, was brought back for his versatility and postseason prowess. He hit a home run in Game 5, his 14th postseason bomb overall.
"There is a reason they brought you here," I kept reminding myself.Kiké Hernández said, "They asked you to come perform here in October." "Coming back and running with this team was something I really wanted—a parade.
Yamamoto Delivers on the Big Stage
Yoshinobu Yamamoto, whom the Dodgers signed to a record-breaking 12-year, $325 million contract this offseason, struggled early in his postseason debut against the Padres in Game 1. However, on Friday night, he found his form.
Commanding a fastball consistently hitting 97 mph, Yamamoto silenced the Padres' offense through five innings. Dodgers President Andrew Friedman later remarked that Yamamoto had shown a hunger for the ball on the biggest stage.
The Dodgers' bullpen then took over. Evan Phillips, Alex Vesia, Michael Kopech, and Blake Treinen combined to shut out the Padres, allowing just three baserunners. Remarkably, the Dodgers held San Diego scoreless for the final 24 innings of the series, marking the third-longest scoreless streak to close out a postseason series in MLB history.
Dodgers Relish Defying Expectations
The Padres were widely regarded as the more complete team, but the Dodgers took pride in proving doubters wrong. Kiké Hernández summed up the team’s attitude succinctly: “We have a lot of ‘F U’ in us.”
With their place in the NLCS secured, the Dodgers will now set their sights on the New York Mets, eager to continue their march toward a World Series title.
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