Shohei Ohtani is under pressure to rediscover his peak form as the Los Angeles Dodgers head into Game 3 of the National League Championship Series (NLCS) against the Milwaukee Brewers, after losing the first two games.
The Dodgers opened the National League pennant series in disappointing fashion with back-to-back defeats to the Brewers. That has left the Los Angeles club in a must-win situation to avoid falling deeper into trouble in the race for a World Series berth.
Against that backdrop, Ohtani is expected to quickly return as the Dodgers' offensive engine. The Japanese slugger is seen as a key figure if the team is to turn the series around against the Brewers.
Observers say Ohtani regaining his swing rhythm would carry real significance for the Dodgers. He is regarded as a cornerstone not only of the lineup but also as the source of major expectations for delivering a breakthrough at decisive moments in the series.
The Brewers now hold a 2-0 lead and will look to extend their advantage, while the Dodgers must respond forcefully to keep their hopes alive.
