The Los Angeles Dodgers are staring down elimination in the World Series after a rough Game 5 loss to the Toronto Blue Jays. Manager Dave Roberts is searching for answers, especially with star outfielder Mookie Betts struggling at the worst possible time.
The series heads back to Toronto. The pressure’s intense, and honestly, the Dodgers’ hopes might depend on Betts snapping out of his slump at the plate.
Dodgers’ World Series Crisis
Game 5 just added to the Dodgers’ postseason misery. They couldn’t get the bats going, striking out 15 times against Toronto’s young ace Trey Yesavage.
The lineup looked outmatched all night. It’s not just a one-game blip—the offense has sputtered since that exhausting 18-inning battle in Game 3, where Los Angeles wasted plenty of chances to score.
Mookie Betts’ Struggles in the Spotlight
Betts’ slump stands out. The former MVP has managed just 3-for-23 in the World Series, batting .130 and, maybe most concerning, hasn’t driven in a single run.
He went hitless with two strikeouts in Game 4, which pushed Roberts to move him to third in the order. That tweak didn’t do much.
His roughest moment probably came during the marathon in Game 3. He singled in the 11th inning but then missed big chances to drive runners in. Roberts said Betts seems to be “pressing” at the plate, and you can almost see the mental frustration piling up.
The Impact on the Dodgers’ Championship Hopes
It’s one thing for a star to slump, but it’s another when it happens on the World Series stage. The Dodgers built their offense around Betts coming through when it counts.
With him struggling, pitchers are going after other hitters—putting more pressure on guys who aren’t used to carrying the team.
How the Team Has Responded
Roberts has tried shuffling the lineup, searching for matchups, and encouraging his guys to be aggressive. So far, nothing’s really worked.
The Blue Jays, meanwhile, have jumped on every big moment. They’ve been patient and delivered clutch hits when it matters.
- Betts’ postseason batting average: .130 (3-for-23)
- Strikeouts in Game 5: 15 for the Dodgers
- No RBIs: Betts has yet to drive in a run in the series
- Series state: Dodgers trail 3-2, facing elimination
The Road Ahead
The series now shifts to Toronto. The Dodgers will have to deal with a wild Rogers Centre crowd and a Blue Jays fan base ready to celebrate a World Series win in Game 6.
For Los Angeles, it’s all about blocking out the noise and somehow hitting the reset button. That’s easier said than done, but what else can they do?
Keys to Forcing a Game 7
If Los Angeles wants any hope of extending the series, several things have to fall into place.
- Betts must break through: The offense really depends on his ability to reach base and spark something.
- Limit strikeouts: The Dodgers just can’t get stuck in another double-digit strikeout game against Toronto’s starters.
- Capitalize early: Getting some runs in the first few innings could ease the pressure and let them set the tone.
- Strong bullpen performance: The bullpen needs to keep Toronto’s bats quiet if it gets late and close.
Roberts and the Dodgers know what’s on the line. Lose Game 6, and that’s it—the season’s done. Win, and suddenly there’s a Game 7 with everything up for grabs.
They need Mookie Betts to find the superstar gear he’s known for. The next game could shape not just this World Series, but maybe even Betts’ whole postseason reputation.
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Here is the source article for this story: Dodgers’ Dave Roberts makes obvious admission about Mookie Betts’ disastrous World Series
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