Dodgers’ Kike Hernandez backs up Mookie Betts on Kobe Bryant’s Mambo mentality declaration

The Los Angeles Dodgers are on the verge of returning to the World Series again. After an ordinary regular season in which they struggled before finally winning the National League West, the Dodgers played their best baseball of the year. They made it to the postseason, defeating the Cincinnati Reds in the Wild Card round, beating the Philadelphia Phillies in the division series and coming on the verge of eliminating the Milwaukee Brewers in the National League Championship Series.

The Dodgers certainly have star power in their lineup, including Shohei Ohtani, Mookie Betts and Freddie Freeman playing key roles. However, the team credits its mental outlook, not physical ability, for its sharp play in the postseason.

Betts said the Dodgers have adopted the look of late Lakers star Kobe Bryant and have a “mamba mentality.” The brilliant Lakers point guard was known for his work ethic and determination as much as his brilliant physical skills when helping the Lakers win championships.

Dodgers reliever Kike Hernandez explained the specifics of the Dodgers’ attitude during the postseason. “Each series teaches you a lot, each series feels like a month. I feel like we’ve been through a lot together as a group.”

Dodgers get super pitching

In addition to their mental outlook, the Dodgers they get a brilliant job from their pitching staff.

Blake Snell has been in top form and is 3-0 in the playoffs with a 0.86 ERA. He allowed 6 hits in 21.0 innings and struck out 28 batters. His crisp command has given the Dodgers confidence every time he takes the mound.

Much of the pitching staff follows his lead. Yoshinobu Yamamoto has a 2-1 record along with a 1.83 ERA in 19.2 innings of work, while Tyler Glasnow has a shocking 0.68 ERA in his 13.1 innings on the mound.

Steve Silverman has covered the NFL for more than 35 years, and his writing has appeared in ESPN Magazine, Bleacher Report, CBS Sports, Pro Football Weekly and Forbes.com. He has written 10 books, including “Who’s Better, Who’s the Best in the NFL.”