The Los Angeles Dodgers entered their Wild Card series with the Cincinnati Reds carrying the weight of heavy expectations, and they didn’t disappoint. In a two-game sweep, Dave Roberts’ squad showed why they remain one of the most dangerous teams in Major League Baseball. Now, the Dodgers find themselves squarely focused on the next challenge: a National League Division Series showdown with the Philadelphia Phillies. And judging by both their form and the urgency in Roberts’ post-series comments, the mantra for Los Angeles is clear — “all hands on deck.”
The Dodgers’ sweep of the Reds wasn’t just about advancing; it was about making a statement. In Game 1, Clayton Kershaw set the tone with vintage control on the mound, backed by timely hitting from Mookie Betts and Freddie Freeman. Game 2, meanwhile, showcased the depth of L.A.’s bullpen and the ability of younger hitters like Will Smith and James Outman to deliver in big moments. The Reds, a young and scrappy team, never truly had an answer for the Dodgers’ combination of power and experience.
But now comes the real test. The Phillies, last year’s National League champions, are not only built for October baseball but are riding momentum of their own. With Bryce Harper, Trea Turner, and Kyle Schwarber in the lineup, Philadelphia has the ability to punish mistakes quickly. Their pitching staff, led by Zack Wheeler and Aaron Nola, presents a very different type of challenge compared to what the Dodgers just faced against the Reds.
That’s why “all hands on deck” isn’t just a catchy phrase. It’s the reality for a Dodgers team that knows how narrow the margins are in October. The Dodgers can’t afford to lean on just their stars. Betts and Freeman will need to continue being MVP-level performers, but contributions from players like Max Muncy, Chris Taylor, and Kiké Hernández could make the difference in a tightly contested series. Depth, more than star power, has been the Dodgers’ hallmark in recent years, and it will be tested again against Philadelphia’s relentless lineup.
On the pitching side, Los Angeles faces an intriguing balance. Kershaw remains the face of the rotation, but questions about his durability over a long series persist. The bullpen, anchored by Evan Phillips, has been steady, yet the Phillies’ patient approach at the plate could force Roberts to make quicker decisions than he did against Cincinnati. That’s where the “all hands” approach becomes most critical. Whether it’s using young arms like Bobby Miller and Ryan Pepiot in high-leverage spots or asking veterans to eat up unexpected innings, the Dodgers’ pitching staff must be prepared for every scenario.
The mental aspect also cannot be overlooked. Philadelphia thrives on pressure, as last year’s playoff run proved. The raucous environment at Citizens Bank Park is notorious for rattling even the most seasoned opponents. For the Dodgers, keeping composure in hostile territory will be just as important as executing pitches or delivering clutch hits.
In short, the Dodgers’ sweep of the Reds was a showcase of dominance. But the real proving ground begins now. The Phillies are not intimidated by Los Angeles, and in many ways, they relish the underdog role. The Dodgers, however, have been here before and know what it takes to win in October. With both teams stacked with talent and momentum, this NLDS promises fireworks. For Los Angeles, the motto moving forward couldn’t be more appropriate: “All hands on deck.”
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