Postseason baseball is a realm of unpredictability, where the underdog can defy the odds. The 2023 Los Angeles Dodgers were the giants of the regular season, winning 100 games and boasting a star-studded lineup. In contrast, the Arizona Diamondbacks faced a daunting challenge, having to defeat the Milwaukee Brewers just to reach the NLCS.
But when the two teams met on the diamond, everything changed. The Diamondbacks showcased their resilience and determination, leaving the Dodgers reeling. Fast, aggressive, and opportunistic, they exploited weaknesses in the Dodgers’ pitching and neutralized their star players, Clayton Kershaw, Bobby Miller, Mookie Betts, and Freddie Freeman.
The Dodgers had the strength of the regular season behind them, but in the playoffs, that’s just the first game. The Diamondbacks proved that winning in the playoffs is a different game, and they outplayed the Dodgers in every aspect.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts admitted, “They outplayed us, and there’s no other spin to it.” The Diamondbacks earned their spot in the NLCS through sheer determination and skill.
As the Dodgers exit the playoffs, it’s a reminder that the postseason is where champions are forged, regardless of regular-season dominance. With resilience and determination, teams like the Diamondbacks can defy the odds and chase their dreams of a World Series crown.