Dodgers Fall Behind 0-2 in NL Championship Series

The Los Angeles Dodgers have fallen behind two games to none in the National League Championship Series, putting them in an early hole as they attempt to defend their postseason position in MLB.

Star player Shohei Ohtani struggled at the plate, going hitless in four at-bats. Meanwhile, pitcher Roki Sasaki delivered a positive outing, throwing one scoreless inning in relief.

Attention has also turned to a controversial decision involving pitcher Yamamoto Yoshinobu, who reportedly wanted to use baseball's Automated Ball-Strike (ABS) challenge system during the game. The system allows teams to request an electronic review of close ball-and-strike calls made by the home plate umpire.

Catcher Will Smith admitted he lacked confidence in using the challenge system during two tense moments, in the first and third innings, when the call could have gone either way.

Following the game, the Dodgers' manager publicly criticised Smith's handling of the situation, saying he was unsatisfied with the decision not to challenge. Some commentators have suggested that a successful challenge could have changed the outcome of the game entirely.

The dispute has added pressure on the Dodgers as they prepare for the next game, needing victories to keep their championship hopes alive. With Ohtani out of form and questions swirling around in-game strategy, the team faces mounting challenges both on and off the field as the series continues.