Dodgers Rally to Victory Over Padres in Game 5, Advance to NLCS
LOS ANGELES With all the star power, financial backing, and pre-season buzz, the Los Angeles Dodgers realized that what they truly needed was an edge.
That edge emerged during a challenging stretch as injuries mounted and uncertainty loomed. It crystallized in a succinct, defiant message that circulated in their group chat throughout September, becoming their battle cry as they faced elimination against their fierce rivals.
Dodgers third baseman Max Muncy echoed that sentiment after Friday night's victory over the San Diego Padres in the National League Division Series: “F--- them all.”
Fueled by five strong innings from Yoshinobu Yamamoto, homers from Kiké Hernández and Teoscar Hernández, and dominant relief pitching, the Dodgers triumphed 2-0 in a thrilling winner-take-all Game 5 at a buzzing Dodger Stadium.
Despite a depleted postseason rotation and Freddie Freeman battling a sprained ankle, the Dodgers will advance to the NL Championship Series, where they’ll face the upstart New York Mets on Sunday.
Manager Dave Roberts, in his ninth season, likened this achievement to his previous experiences overcoming 3-0 and 3-1 series deficits with the Boston Red Sox and Dodgers, respectively. He emphasized the weight of recent postseason disappointments against division rivals.
"I wanted to beat those guys," Roberts said. "We all wanted to beat those guys really bad."
As he prepared for his eighth winner-take-all game, Roberts felt a rare calmness. Uncertainty surrounded the team, but he found confidence in their relentless spirit. “I believe in this team more than any team I've had,” he stated.
Having invested over a billion dollars this offseason in players like Yamamoto, Shohei Ohtani, Tyler Glasnow, and Teoscar Hernández, the Dodgers won 98 games to secure their 11th division title in 12 years. Yet, many viewed them as underdogs against the healthier, more complete Padres. Muncy referenced this narrative, saying, “What was it, 80 percent of the f---ing experts said we were going to lose? F--- those guys. We know who we are.”
The team rallied around positive affirmations during tough moments, similar to their approach in 2020. After Game 3, with the series on the line, Kiké Hernández became a vocal leader, motivating teammates with messages like, “F--- everybody outside this clubhouse.”
Kiké, who has long visualized success in the postseason, came through with a massive home run in the second inning, giving the Dodgers a 1-0 lead. Teoscar followed suit later in the game, sealing the win. Read More!
