Yoshinobu Yamamoto Shines as Dodgers Defeat Blue Jays in Thrilling Game 2 of the World Series

Andy Pages is struggling in the playoffs, currently holding a .077 batting average. After a disappointing 0-for-4 outing in Game 1, where he struck out twice, including a critical moment with the bases loaded, you might expect a benching. But Dodgers manager Dave Roberts is sticking with him for Game 2, placing him at the ninth spot in the lineup once again.

Roberts has thought about replacing Pages with a more reliable hitter, like Alex Call. However, Pages’ defensive skills in center field keep him in the game. “He’s playing very sound defense,” Roberts explained.

Another factor in keeping Pages in the lineup is the absence of Tommy Edman, who is sidelined with an ankle issue. In the past, Edman provided flexibility by playing outfield, but that option isn’t available this time. “Not having that versatility has certainly minimized our options,” Roberts acknowledged.

Yet, there’s a sense of urgency. The Dodgers need Pages to find his rhythm. Despite hitting 27 home runs during the regular season, he’s managed only one extra-base hit this October. More broadly, the team as a whole is struggling with key hits. They’re batting just .227 with runners in scoring position and haven’t scored more than five runs in a game since the wild-card round.

Roberts hopes for improvement. “Once we create stress, we need to finish off innings better,” he said. The potential is there; the team just needs to tap into it.

Historically, teams that struggle in the playoffs often see a drop in performance due to pressure. This highlights the psychological aspect of sports. As some players rise to the occasion, others can falter under scrutiny. The Dodgers’ focus now should be on maximizing their scoring opportunities to regain momentum.

In 2022, a similar narrative unfolded for several teams in the postseason. The Atlanta Braves, for example, faced early struggles but turned things around by boosting their batting with clutch hits. This serves as a reminder of how quickly fortunes can change in baseball.

For the Dodgers, the next games will be critical. They need to rally together and find ways to overcome their current offensive challenges. The playoff atmosphere can be relentless, but with adjustments and strong teamwork, they can still shine.

Overall, the future of the series will depend on how well the Dodgers adjust and perform under pressure in the coming games.



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