Will Smith Balances Fatherhood and the NLCS as Dodgers Face Must-Win Game

The Los Angeles Dodgers face a challenging situation in the National League Championship Series (NLCS), trailing 2-0 as they prepare to host the Milwaukee Brewers. The team needs every player to be at their best, including catcher Will Smith, who has a significant personal milestone to celebrate.

Just as the series shifts to the West Coast, Smith’s wife, Cara, announced the birth of their third daughter, Carter, on Instagram. The Smith family has a tradition of welcoming their children in October, with Carter joining her siblings Charlotte and Layton. Notably, Layton was born in October 2024 when the Dodgers won the World Series, and the Smiths hope Carter’s arrival can signal another successful run for the team.

Despite the joy of becoming a father again, Smith faces the pressure of the upcoming Game 3 against the Brewers, who boast the best record in baseball this season. While the team’s catcher enjoys a brief pause in the schedule, Smith knows he must immediately focus on catching Blake Snell in what feels like a crucial game for the Dodgers.

The current postseason has been difficult for Smith at the plate, with only one hit in 19 at-bats, resulting in eight strikeouts and one walk. Moreover, Shohei Ohtani, another key player, continues to struggle offensively while managing issues with his knee and arm. Manager Dave Roberts has adjusted the lineup, moving Ohtani to sixth as the designated hitter and placing Smith in the seventh spot.

As the Dodgers prepare to face left-hander Robert Gasser from the Brewers, the team understands the importance of a strong performance in Game 3. They aim to avoid a 3-0 series deficit, a situation that can be challenging to overcome in a best-of-seven format.