Why Former Red Sox Star Felt ‘Zero Emotions’ After Playoff Win

The Los Angeles Dodgers took one step closer to returning to the World Series, but Mookie Betts isn’t celebrating yet.

Los Angeles is up 3-0 over the Milwaukee Brewers in the National League Championship Series following a 3-1 win on Thursday night. The reigning champions can capture another NL pennant with a Game 4 victory on Friday.

Betts remains focused on the end goal as he pursues his fourth World Series ring. The former Red Sox star channeled NBA icon Kobe Bryant when discussing his feelings after Thursday’s win.

“Honestly, I have zero emotions,” Betts told reporters, per SportsNet LA. “I mean, we’re up. But like Kobe said, job’s not done. So we got to keep going and keep applying pressure.”

Betts didn’t play up to his lofty standards for most of the regular season, setting personal lows in batting average (.258), on-base percentage (.326) and slugging percentage (.406). But the 33-year-old has carried a late hot streak into October, batting .297/.381/.459 in nine postseason games.

The shortstop hit an RBI double in the first inning of Thursday’s win at Dodger Stadium. The Brewers must now join the 2004 Red Sox as the only team to overcome a 3-0 series deficit to keep Los Angeles out of the World Series.

October baseball is nothing new for Betts, who has partaken in nine postseasons during his 12-year career. He’s not nervous about Friday’s potential series-clinching game, because even then, the job’s not complete.

“Come, show up, be ready to play,” Betts said about his mindset entering Game 4. “Can’t add extra pressure just ’cause you’re one win away from going to the next series. But we have to keep in mind, we’re five wins away from what we really want.”