NLCS Game 4: Dodgers Fight for Survival vs. Brewers’ Velocity

The Story: The Dodgers are down 3-0 in the NLCS, and Dave Roberts is making bold moves—like slotting Shohei Ohtani leadoff—to spark a comeback. "The worst that can happen is you lose," Roberts said. "Might as well try something different." Problem is, the Brewers’ heat is smothering L.A.’s bats. Dodgers are hitting just .206 against 95+ MPH pitches this series. Milwaukee’s pitching plan? Keep throwing gas.

The Numbers: Brewers’ starters have a 2.10 ERA in the NLCS, while Dodgers’ hitters are striking out at a 28% clip vs. high velocity. If Ohtani doesn’t snap out of his slump (.125 BA in the series), L.A.’s season could end tonight.

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Rockies Fire Pitching Coach After One Season

The Skinny: Alon Leichman lasted one year in Colorado before getting the axe. The Rockies’ pitching staff posted a 5.22 ERA in 2026—second-worst in MLB. Leichman’s predecessor, Darren Holmes, lasted two seasons. Front office’s patience is thinner than Coors Field air.

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Ohtani’s Slump: The Cold Hard Truth

The Breakdown: The Dodgers still blast Feeling Good when Ohtani steps up, but the numbers don’t lie. In the NLCS, he’s 0-for-12 with 6 Ks. For the season, his OPS vs. righties is .680—down from .925 last year. The Brewers are exploiting his pull-heavy swing with inside fastballs. If he doesn’t adjust, this could get ugly.

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Phillies Strike Out on Utley, Ibañez

The Scoop: Philly’s managerial search hit a snag when Chase Utley and Raul Ibañez both declined interviews. The Phillies are now scrambling to find a skipper willing to inherit a roster with zero playoff wins since 2022.