The Los Angeles Dodgers find themselves in a challenging position, trailing 2-0 in the National League Championship Series against the Milwaukee Brewers as the series shifts to their home turf. Amidst this high-stakes postseason battle, Dodgers catcher Will Smith welcomed a new addition to his family just hours before a pivotal Game 3.
A New Addition to the Smith Family
Smith's wife, Cara, announced on social media Wednesday the birth of their third daughter, Carter. "Our third October baby girl… Carter," Cara shared, celebrating the newest member of their family. This marks a unique tradition for the couple, as all three of their children have been born in October. Their first daughter, Charlotte, arrived in 2022. Layton, also born in October, arrived in a year that saw the Dodgers win the World Series. The family now hopes Carter's arrival can similarly inspire the team to reach the World Series for the third time in recent seasons, despite currently facing a significant deficit against the Brewers.
Crucial Game 3 Amidst Personal News
The timing of Carter's birth offered a brief reprieve for Smith, occurring during the travel day between Games 2 and 3, which allowed for essential travel and rest as the series relocated. However, the break is short-lived, as Smith is scheduled to return to his catching duties for Game 3, working with pitcher Blake Snell in what is perceived as a critical contest for the Dodgers to get back into the series. While it's only Game 3, the team understands the formidable challenge of overcoming a 3-0 lead in a best-of-seven series, a scenario they are keen to avoid against the formidable Brewers, who boast the league's best regular-season record.
Batting Struggles and Lineup Adjustments
Smith is also looking for a boost in his on-field performance, hoping his new daughter's birth brings a change in fortune at the plate. He has struggled offensively this postseason, recording only one hit in 19 at-bats, accumulating eight strikeouts and one walk. He is not alone in his hitting woes; two-way star Shohei Ohtani has also faced difficulties at the plate. Ohtani acknowledged dealing with knee and arm injuries but stated they are not an excuse for his performance. Manager Dave Roberts has maintained Ohtani in the lineup, positioning him sixth as the designated hitter against Brewers left-hander Robert Gasser. Smith is slated to bat seventh, directly behind Ohtani, while fulfilling his regular catching responsibilities.
