No S. Korean left in MLB postseason with Kim Hye-seong off Dodgers' NLCS roster

MILWAUKEE — Four-time MLB MVP Shohei Ohtani did not look like his former self as the Los Angeles Dodgers lost their first game in the National League Championship Series (NLCS) to the Milwaukee Brewers. Ohtani's finest postseason performance, a six-hit, 10-strikeout game against Milwaukee in Game 4 of the NLCS, now feels like ancient history.

The Dodgers' offense appears as frail and fragile as ever, with only two extra-base hits in 22 plate appearances with runners in scoring position since the start of the postseason. The gap in talent and experience between the two clubs has substantially narrowed since last year's dominant display by the Dodgers. However, the postseason game on Sunday did not live up to its potential, with neither of the pitchers, Jacob Misiorowski or Tarik Skubal, performing at their best.

Despite Misiorowski's shaky outing, the Dodgers' offense failed to capitalize, with just a timely double play off Kiké Hernández's bat preventing a complete collapse. Skubal's performance was strong early on, but the Brewers' offensive explosion, fueled by a solo home run by Brice Turang, shifted the momentum. The Dodgers' batting woes continued as four relievers combined for a scoreless final 4 2/3 innings, allowing only two hits.

The Dodgers' lineup struggled to break through Milwaukee's bullpen, and Mookie Betts' flyout to center field sealed the game for the Brewers. First baseman Freddie Freeman acknowledged the team's failure to generate big hits, emphasizing the importance of the long ball in high-pressure postseason situations. The current lineup, featuring Mookie Betts, Will Smith, and Shohei Ohtani, has collectively struggled in October, tallying zero extra-base hits in these playoffs.

Manager Dave Roberts admitted to considering moving Smith to a lower spot in the order but opted to keep the status quo for now. The report highlights the significant decline in the Dodgers' offense and the challenges faced by Ohtani, who is physically compromised and less effective compared to his past self. The team's vulnerability is further emphasized by their inability to produce extra-base hits, a statistic that has proven troublesome in October.