Brief

Dodgers lose Game 3 as Miguel Rojas’ “2026 loading” cleats draw jeers

Rojas’ custom World Series cleats became a focal point as the Dodgers fell behind 3-0 in the NLCS.

By Felo News Desk · Published Thu, 15 Oct 2026 10:30:31 GMT

In Game 3 of the National League Championship Series on Wednesday night, Los Angeles Dodgers infielder Miguel Rojas wore custom red Nike Air Jordan cleats emblazoned with the team’s 2024 and 2025 World Series trophies and the phrase “2026 loading.”

Rojas started at third base against left‑hander Robert Gasser at Dodger Stadium, reaching base twice—a single and a walk—before manager Dave Roberts removed him in the sixth inning during a rally. Roberts substituted pinch‑hitter Josue DePaula, who was later replaced by Kiké Hernández after Brewers manager Pat Murphy brought in a left‑hander.

Both pinch‑hitters struck out, leaving two runners stranded. One inning later, Brewers reliever Abner Uribe gave up a two‑run, bases‑loaded double by Will Smith, and shortly after, Blake Snell surrendered back‑to‑back home runs, extending Milwaukee’s lead to 4‑2.

The Brewers ultimately won 6‑2, giving them a 3‑0 series lead and putting the Dodgers one loss away from a historic three‑peat collapse. The only team to overcome a 3‑0 deficit in a best‑of‑seven MLB postseason series was the 2004 Boston Red Sox, a fact noted by the article as a parallel to manager Dave Roberts’ own 2004 playing career.

Rojas’ “2026 loading” cleats, intended as a bold statement of confidence, were left on the field as a reminder of the Dodgers’ faltering hopes. The article suggests the footwear could become a “fashion statement that didn’t work out on the field” if Los Angeles fails to recover.

Key facts

• Miguel Rojas wore custom red Nike Air Jordan cleats with "2026 loading" on them in NLCS Game 3. (nypost.com)
• Rojas started at third base, reached base twice, and was removed in the sixth inning. (nypost.com)
• The Dodgers lost Game 3 to the Brewers 6-2, putting Milwaukee up 3-0 in the series. (nypost.com)
• Manager Dave Roberts substituted Rojas for Josue DePaula, who was later replaced by Kiké Hernández. (nypost.com)
• Will Smith hit a two‑run, bases‑loaded double; Blake Snell gave up back‑to‑back home runs in the sixth inning. (nypost.com)

Sources

• [1] nypost.com — originally reported as “Did Miguel Rojas jinx the Dodgers? His bold World Series cleats are aging terribly”