Yankees’ 14-time All-Star sends dire warning to Dodgers after forgettable game vs. Blue Jays originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The Los Angeles Dodgers swept the Milwaukee Brewers in the NLCS, seemingly without struggling against the competition. The Dodgers have been moving through the playoffs swiftly, and even after a lackluster regular season at times, they’ve proven to be the best team when it matters most. Following the sweep, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts made a bold ruin baseball claim.
“Before this season started, they said the Dodgers are ruining baseball. Let’s get four more wins and really ruin baseball,” Roberts said on the air.
Before the World Series on Friday, Roberts clarified that his comment wasn’t made with any ill intent. It was simply a humorous remark that was taken out of context.
“I don’t feel like I’m the villain. I was just poking fun at some people that said the Dodgers were ruining baseball. Clearly, I don’t believe that,” Roberts said.
No matter the intent behind his words, the Dodgers are now behind in the series 1-0 after a heavy defeat.
“For the Toronto Blue Jays, what happened in the sixth inning in Game 1 of the World Series on Friday night — a nine-run bludgeoning in an 11-4 win over the heavily favored Los Angeles Dodgers — was not surprising. The stakes were elevated. The opponent was mighty. The confidence, stemming from their exceptional ability to annoy and frustrate opposing pitchers, did not waver,” ESPN’s Jorge Castillo wrote.
After the game, Fox analyst Derek Jeter issued a warning to the Dodgers, making it clear that it’s now do or die.
“Tomorrow is a must-win for the Los Angeles Dodgers. You do not want to go down to a team like this having to win four out of five,” Jeter said.
This is the first time all postseason that the Dodgers are facing significant adversity. LA has a team capable of overcoming any challenge.
However, the Blue Jays are not going to make it easy. If the Dodgers fall behind 2-0, it may already be time to wave the white flag.
