Dodgers Bats Quiet as Pitching Keeps Them in World Series Pursuit

As the Los Angeles Dodgers stand just three wins away from becoming baseball's first repeat champions in 25 years, their offense has failed to replicate the formula that powered them to the title last October. Through 12 games this postseason, the Dodgers are averaging 4.58 runs per game, a significant drop from the 5.94 runs they produced per game in their 16 playoff games in 2024.

The Dodgers' pitching staff has been the driving force behind their 10-2 postseason record so far, but the team's hitters have struggled to provide their hurlers with much cushion. The Dodgers have hit just 16 home runs this October, compared to 27 during their championship run last year. This lack of power has been a key factor in their offensive woes.

To try to spark their struggling lineup, the Dodgers are considering benching rookie center fielder Andy Pages, who has a mere .250 OPS this postseason. Pages' struggles have been particularly evident against fastballs, as he has yet to record a hit off a four-seamer or sinker this October.

Despite the offensive challenges, the Dodgers remain confident in their ability to break out at the plate, with hitting coach Robert Van Scoyoc emphasizing the quality of their at-bats. As the series shifts to Dodger Stadium for Games 3-5, the team is hopeful that a return to their home ballpark will help ignite their bats and keep them on track in their pursuit of a repeat championship.