Shohei Ohtani's Postseason Hitting Struggles Persist Amidst Dodgers' NLDS Run

Los Angeles Dodgers superstar Shohei Ohtani continues to face challenges at the plate in the NL Division Series, going 0 for 5 in Game 3 against the Philadelphia Phillies, bringing his NLDS total to 1 for 14 with seven strikeouts. Despite his offensive slump, the Dodgers hold a 2-1 series lead. Phillies manager Rob Thomson acknowledged Ohtani's potential to "explode at any time," while Dodgers manager Dave Roberts noted his "decision making hasn't been good" and that Phillies' left-handers have particularly stymied him. This contrasts sharply with his regular season, where he set franchise records with 55 home runs and 146 runs scored. On the mound, Ohtani delivered six strong innings in the Dodgers' Game 1 victory, marking the third-most strikeouts by a Dodger in their postseason pitching debut, and is slated to start a potential Game 5 if the series goes the distance.