NEW YORK (AP) By the time Shohei Ohtani took his turn at bat in the eighth inning, the Los Angeles Dodgers had already established a solid lead.
Once the ball soared off his bat, Game 3 of the National League Championship Series effectively concluded.
Ohtani hit a crucial late three-run homer, leading the Dodgers to a commanding 8-0 win over the New York Mets, thus taking a 2-1 advantage in the best-of-seven series.
Kiké Hernández contributed with a two-run homer in the sixth, extending the score to 4-0. It marked his 15th career postseason homer, as he acknowledged the now-silent Citi Field crowd. The Dodgers rebounded from a previous home loss, achieving their fourth shutout in five playoff games.
“These guys are focused. They realize their responsibility to prevent runs,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts commented. “And our defense is performing well, too.”
Game 4 is set for Thursday night in Queens, where $325 million rookie Yoshinobu Yamamoto is expected to pitch for Los Angeles against seasoned left-hander Jose Quintana.
Ohtani connected with a powerful 410-foot drive that ascended into the second deck of right field, just clearing the foul pole.
In the ninth inning, Max Muncy added another run with his 13th career postseason homer, tying him with Corey Seager and Justin Turner for the franchise record. He also hit a homer in Game 2.
“It’s truly a blessing. I can’t express how grateful I am for having the chance to play enough games to gather those statistics,” Muncy shared. “I’m thankful to be part of a team and organization that consistently reaches the postseason.”
Dodgers starter Walker Buehler struck out Francisco Lindor on a full-count knuckle curveball, escaping a bases-loaded situation in the second inning.
A pumped-up Buehler celebrated as he exited the mound, shouting again in Lindor’s direction.
“That was the pivotal pitch of the game,” Roberts remarked. “The crowd was electric, and the Mets were gaining momentum. To throw that breaking ball down and strike out a top hitter was significant. It highlights his experience.”
Francisco Alvarez, the No. 9 batter, struck out right before Lindor and went down looking three times in total. The Mets squandered six runners in the initial three innings against Buehler while the game was still competitive.
“Walker is a different beast in the postseason. His regular-season stats don’t matter, especially this year after his second Tommy John surgery,” Muncy noted. “We all knew that once we reached this stage, he would show up as Walker Buehler, and he certainly did tonight.”
Buehler, who had been winless since May 18 during a season plagued with injuries, made his 17th career postseason start. He struck out six batters across four innings while allowing three hits, bouncing back from a Division Series outing against San Diego in which he did not register a single strikeout.
The Dodgers then relied on their formidable bullpen for five flawless innings, as Buehler and four relievers combined to limit the Mets to just four hits.
“He has proven time and again that when the Dodgers need a big win, he’s the right man on the mound,” Hernández said.
Michael Kopech secured a hitless fifth inning to earn the victory, while the Dodgers’ pitchers totaled 13 strikeouts.
Mets starter Luis Severino found himself down 2-0 in the second, partly due to some subpar fielding. While he didn’t allow an earned run, he threw 95 pitches and issued four walks over 4 2/3 innings, resulting in the loss.
Struggling catcher Will Smith drove in a run with an infield single, and Tommy Edman added a sacrifice fly that could have been more if not for a spectacular catch by Tyrone Taylor at the right-center warning track.
Los Angeles managed two consecutive shutouts against San Diego to triumph in their heated Division Series after trailing two games to one. Jack Flaherty and the Dodgers then shut out the Mets 9-0 in the NLCS opener on Sunday, extending the team’s scoreless streak to 33 innings, matching a postseason record.
The pitching staff’s only recent hiccup occurred on Monday when Lindor hit a leadoff homer, resulting in a 7-3 loss at Chavez Ravine for the Dodgers.
Ohtani entered this game with a batting average of .222, alongside one homer and five RBIs in his inaugural postseason. The $700 million superstar ignited the offense in Game 1 against the Mets but had been quiet since hitting a three-run homer early in the Division Series opener.
“It’s critical for Shohei to gain some confidence,” Roberts stated.
When he connected with an 0-1 cutter from Tylor Megill in the eighth inning, Ohtani signaled toward the Dodgers’ dugout. The ball was initially ruled fair, and the call was upheld after a replay review.
“I just threw it into his sweet spot, and he sent it into the upper deck,” Megill commented.
Extending back to the regular season, Ohtani has accumulated 17 hits and 27 RBIs in his last 20 at-bats with runners in scoring position, including seven home runs. However, he is 0 for 22 this postseason when hitting with the bases empty. With runners on base, he boasts a record of 7 for 9 with two homers and eight RBIs.
Los Angeles improved to 4-0 at Citi Field this season, outscoring New York 26-5 during those matchups. This includes a three-game sweep in late May, which drove the Mets down to 22-33, marking a low point in their tumultuous season.
TRAINER’S ROOM
Dodgers: 2B Gavin Lux returned to the lineup, batting sixth. Lux missed Game 2 due to a right hip flexor injury that kept him out of the series opener after the seventh inning.
UP NEXT
Yamamoto (7-2, 3.00 ERA) faced challenges in the Division Series opener against San Diego but bounced back to pitch five scoreless innings with two hits allowed to secure a win in the decisive Game 5 last Friday. He achieved 39 strikes out of 63 pitches.
Quintana (10-10, 3.75 ERA) has not permitted an earned run across 11 innings in two playoff starts, both of which were no-decisions. Since August 25, the 35-year-old Quintana has given up just three earned runs over eight starts, covering 47 1/3 innings.
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Ohtani Powers Dodgers to 8-0 Victory Over Mets, Taking 2-1 NLCS Lead
Game Overview: Dominance Displayed
In a thrilling showdown at Dodger Stadium, the Los Angeles Dodgers demonstrated their playoff prowess with an emphatic 8-0 victory over the New York Mets. This decisive win not only propelled the Dodgers to a 2-1 lead in the National League Championship Series (NLCS) but also showcased the incredible talent of Shohei Ohtani, who played a pivotal role in the game.
Shohei Ohtani: A Two-Way Marvel
Shohei Ohtani continues to redefine expectations in Major League Baseball. Known for his extraordinary skills as both a pitcher and a hitter, Ohtani’s performance in Game 3 of the NLCS was nothing short of spectacular. Here’s a breakdown of his contributions:
- Batting Performance: Ohtani went 3-for-4 at the plate, including a home run and three RBIs.
- Pitching Performance: He struck out 10 batters in 7 innings, allowing just 2 hits and no runs.
- Defensive Plays: Ohtani made several key plays in the outfield, showcasing his all-around capabilities.
Key Highlights of the Game
The Dodgers’ offense erupted in this pivotal game, and several key highlights contributed to their dominant performance:
| Inning | Key Event | Player Involved |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ohtani hits a home run | Shohei Ohtani |
| 3 | Base hit and RBI | Freddie Freeman |
| 5 | Ohtani’s two-run single | Shohei Ohtani |
| 7 | Seager’s double extends lead | Corey Seager |
| 9 | Final strikeout by Ohtani | Shohei Ohtani |
Impact on the NLCS
This victory not only boosted the Dodgers’ confidence but also shifted the momentum of the series. With the win, the Dodgers lead the NLCS 2-1, putting them in a favorable position as they look to secure a spot in the World Series. Here are some insights into how this game impacts the series:
- Mental Edge: A decisive win can instill confidence and pressure opponents.
- Strengthening Team Dynamics: Winning performances from star players like Ohtani can galvanize the entire team.
- Strategic Adjustments: The Mets will need to reevaluate their game plan to counter the Dodgers’ newfound momentum.
Performance Under Pressure: Ohtani and the Dodgers
Ohtani’s ability to perform under pressure has become a hallmark of his career. His relentless work ethic and focus translate into remarkable performances during crucial moments. Here’s what sets him apart:
- Exceptional Work Ethic: Ohtani trains rigorously, refining both his batting and pitching skills.
- Adaptability: His ability to adjust his game based on the opponent’s strengths and weaknesses is unparalleled.
- Composure: Ohtani remains calm under pressure, a crucial trait in high-stakes playoff situations.
Case Study: Ohtani’s Previous Playoff Performances
To understand the impact of Shohei Ohtani in playoff games, let’s take a look at his previous performances in the postseason:
| Year | Team | Performance Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | Los Angeles Angels | 2 HRs in AL Wild Card Game |
| 2022 | Los Angeles Angels | Dominant pitching in ALDS, 14 strikeouts |
| 2023 | Los Angeles Dodgers | 3 hits, 10 strikeouts in NLCS Game 3 |
Benefits of Ohtani’s Dual Role
Ohtani’s unique position as a two-way player brings several advantages to the Dodgers:
- Flexibility in Lineup: His ability to pitch and hit allows for more strategic flexibility in game planning.
- Increased Matchup Options: Ohtani can be deployed in various roles depending on the opponent’s pitchers.
- Fan Engagement: Ohtani’s star power draws fans to the stadium, enhancing the overall atmosphere.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for the Dodgers?
As the series continues, the Dodgers will need to maintain their momentum to secure a spot in the World Series. Key strategies to consider include:
- Effective Pitching: Continuing to rely on strong pitching performances will be crucial.
- Consistent Hitting: Maintaining offensive pressure to score early and often can set the tone for the game.
- Defensive Cohesion: Solid defensively to minimize scoring opportunities for the Mets.
Fan Reactions and Community Impact
The Dodgers’ victory also brought excitement to their loyal fanbase. Social media platforms were abuzz with reactions:
- Increased Social Media Engagement: Fans took to Twitter and Instagram to share their excitement over the win.
- Community Events: Local businesses and fan clubs hosted watch parties, generating a sense of community.
Final Thoughts
The Los Angeles Dodgers, led by the indomitable Shohei Ohtani, have positioned themselves strongly in the NLCS with their recent victory over the New York Mets. As the series progresses, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how Ohtani and the team navigate the challenges ahead.
