How Dave Roberts' viral faceplant against Hyeseong Kim may have been the spark the Dodgers needed

The Los Angeles Dodgers are playing in a Game 7 with a chance to make back-to-back World Series history for the first time in a long while. However, in the two games leading up to Game 6, the Dodgers’ offense had completely stalled.

“We haven’t found our rhythm,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts told the media.

The Dodgers found a bit of that rhythm in Game 6, scoring three runs. For LA, it was ace Yoshinobu Yamamoto who delivered an absolute masterclass. Yamamoto has stepped up for the Dodgers in countless ways, and Friday night was no exception. In Game 7, Shohei Ohtani will take the mound when it matters most.

“With everything on the line Saturday night, the Los Angeles Dodgers plan to start Shohei Ohtani on short rest in Game 7. Ohtani has previously made one start on three days' rest, but that was after completing only two innings in a prior start in 2023,” ESPN’s Alden Gonzalez wrote.

The Dodgers seemed to have more energy in Game 6. Maybe it was the urgency of facing elimination — or maybe it came from Roberts’ unexpected tumble during batting practice the day before.

“There was a time when Dave Roberts could spark a team with his legs. Dodgers are hoping that time hasn't passed and maybe his viral faceplant will break any tension at facing an elimination game,” Dodgers writer Bill Plunkett wrote.

BREAKING: Dave Roberts is "PROBABLE" tonight after face planting yesterday 🤣 pic.twitter.com/wX36o28OHJ

If the Dodgers go on to win it all, that viral moment might be remembered as the turning point. Anything can happen in Game 7, but to get there, Game 6 was a must-win — and they delivered.

The moment that likely sparked the team’s energy was unintentional, but exactly what the Dodgers needed. Sometimes, a laugh goes a long way — and that’s exactly what happened on Thursday during a simple workout.

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