"Dodgers have Mookie Betts, Teoscar Hernandez behind Shohei Ohtani"- Michael King explains Padres' reasoning against walking 2x MVP

San Diego Padres ace Michael King told reporters before Game 3 of the NLDS against the Dodgers why Yu Darvish didn't walk Shohei Ohtani in Game 2. Ohtani had a terrific performance in Game 1 and the narrative was that the Padres would be looking to walk the Japanese superstar in Game 2.

However, Darvish and the bullpen didn’t walk Ohtani. The 38-year-old ace retired Ohtani three times in the game, including striking him out once with a 90-mph splitter. Padres reliever Tanner Scott also struck him out.

Speaking to the media before Game 3, where he will be the starting pitcher against Walker Buehler, Michael King revealed why the Padres pitchers went after Shohei Ohtani instead of walking him.

"I think it's a confidence booster for not only the pitcher but also the team. I think that all of our stuff, when executed, plays against any hitter. Obviously, Ohtani is probably the best in the game, but it's that competing factor, " said King. [6:39]

Michael King also revealed the lineup behind Ohtani also played a part in the decision not to walk.

"They still have Mookie [Betts], Freddie [Freeman], and Teoscar [Hernandez] behind him [Shohei Ohtani]," he added. "So yes, you don't want Ohtani to be the guy that beats you. But, you also have to be able to execute because you don't want to have to face those three guys with him on base, especially with the speed that he has." [6:57]

Mookie Betts has not yet come to the party in the postseason, while Freddie Freeman may not be available due to an ankle sprain. However, Teoscar Hernandez is someone to keep an eye out for.

King is coming off one of the best performances of his career. Against the Atlanta Braves in the wild card series, the Padres' ace struck out 12 hitters in seven no hit innings.

Michael King on pitching against Shohei Ohtani in Game 3

Yu Darvish's performance against Shohei Ohtani was the highlight of Game 2 of the NLDS game between Dodgers and Padres. Ohtani going hitless was one of the reasons why the Dodgers couldn't mount a serious offense.

With the series tied at 1-1, Michael King will look to keep Ohtani at bay in Game 3. In the pregame media interview, King praised Darvish for his performance.

"All credit to [Yu] Darvish; obviously, he's [Shohei Ohtani] what makes them [Dodgers] go. If you can control him, and I also think if you can keep runners off base when he's at the plate, it's a huge thing. He [Darvish] did a phenomenal job," said King. [5:14]

King also revealed he would ask Darvish for help as he takes on the mound against Ohtani.

"You know, he's Shohei Ohtani, so you know he has the ability to get you even if you execute pitches. It's really just about limiting the damage when he's up there. I'll definitely be asking Darvish what he was seeing and what his approach was," King added. [5:29]

Game 3 will take place at Petco Park, where the Padres will have the support of their home crowd. Game 2 included negative exchanges between Padres players and Dodgers fans. Will the Dodgers' stars face similar fates in Game 3? It remains to be seen.