Mookie Betts Joins Exclusive Bases-Loaded Walk Club
Shohei Ohtani’s intentional walks have frequently set the stage for key plays by Mookie Betts in the playoffs. In the latest development, Ohtani was intentionally walked in consecutive Dodgers games, loading the bases for Betts. During Game 1 of the NLCS against the Brewers, Betts earned a bases-loaded walk in the ninth inning, providing the Dodgers with an essential insurance run in their 2-1 victory.
Mookie Betts Joins Exclusive Bases-Loaded Walk Club
This performance places Betts in an exclusive club of players with multiple postseason bases-loaded walks. He shares this distinction with Yadier Molina, as both have achieved three such walks. Jim Palmer and José Ramírez have recorded two bases-loaded walks apiece in a single postseason game, with Ramírez boasting a career total of four, the most all-time.
Historic Trends and Key Statistics
- In 2020, the record was set for bases-loaded walks in a postseason with 10.
- Years 1999 and 2007 both saw nine bases-loaded walks.
- The Dodgers have been involved in four of the current six bases-loaded walks this postseason.
Strategic Decisions and Consequences
Ohtani’s intentional walks have become a recurring theme. In Game 1 against the Brewers, he was walked twice. The first walk occurred in the fifth inning with Kiké Hernández on base. Quinn Priester then induced a double play from Betts, ending the threat in a scoreless match. Despite skepticism from Reds manager Terry Francona, who warned against walking Ohtani, similar strategies have occasionally backfired. For instance, in an earlier wild card game, his walk was followed by a pivotal RBI double by Betts.
This season, Ohtani has been intentionally walked 21 times with Betts batting next. Betts consistently capitalizes on these opportunities, boasting six hits in 17 at-bats, including three doubles and four walks. His performance in these situations is impressive, with a .353 batting average, .476 on-base percentage, and .529 slugging percentage, collectively driving in 10 runs.
