The Los Angeles Dodgers secured a commanding 2-1 series lead in the National League Championship Series with a decisive 8-0 victory over the New York Mets in Game 3. Pitcher Walker Buehler delivered a masterful performance on the mound, while Shohei Ohtani’s three-run homer broke the game wide open. The shutout victory at Citi Field puts the Dodgers in a strong position to advance.
Buehler Silences the Mets’ Bats
From the first pitch, Walker Buehler was in complete control. The Dodgers’ ace was unfazed by the pressure, especially during a critical moment in the second inning.
With the bases loaded and the New York crowd roaring, Buehler struck out Francisco Lindor on three pitches, ending the Mets’ biggest threat of the night. That moment set the tone for the rest of the game, as the Mets’ lineup never found its footing against him.
Buehler’s final line was a testament to his dominance on a cold night. He showed command of all his pitches, generating 18 swings and misses.
- Innings pitched: 5
- Hits allowed: 4
- Strikeouts: 13
The Dodgers’ bullpen continued where Buehler left off, pitching five scoreless innings to complete the team’s fourth shutout in their last five playoff games.
A Surge of Power from Ohtani and the Offense
While the pitching staff kept the Mets off the board, the Dodgers’ hitters provided more than enough run support. The biggest blow came from superstar Shohei Ohtani in the eighth inning.
With two runners on, Ohtani launched a 410-foot, three-run home run that curved just inside the right-field foul pole. The blast extended the Dodgers’ lead to 7-0 and effectively ended any hope of a Mets comeback. Ohtani has consistently delivered in key moments throughout the postseason.
Kiké Hernández also joined the home run party with a two-run shot in the sixth inning that silenced the home crowd. Later, Max Muncy added a solo homer in the ninth, which was a historic hit for the franchise. The home run was Muncy’s 13th in the postseason, making him the all-time leader for the Dodgers.
Missed Opportunities Haunt New York
The story for the Mets was a night of frustration and missed chances. Their inability to score with the bases loaded in the second inning was a perfect example of their struggles at the plate.
Starting pitcher Luis Severino battled through 4⅔ innings, throwing 95 pitches. While he didn’t give up any earned runs, the constant pressure from the Dodgers’ lineup took its toll. The Mets were also hurt by sloppy fielding, which gave the Dodgers extra opportunities that they did not waste.
By the Numbers: Dodgers’ Postseason Dominance
The Dodgers’ victory in Game 3 was not an isolated event but part of a larger trend of dominance this postseason. The team has been firing on all cylinders, overpowering opponents with both its pitching and hitting.
This table highlights just how effective the Dodgers have been over their last five playoff games.
| Stat | Value |
|---|---|
| Wins | 4-1 |
| Runs per game | 6.0 |
| Run differential | +23 |
| Home runs | 9 |
| Team OPS | .765 |
| Team ERA | 1.40 |
| Opponent batting avg. | .166 |
Their incredible 1.40 team ERA and a run differential of +23 show a team that is not just winning, but doing so in convincing fashion.
What’s Next in a Must-Win for the Mets
With their backs against the wall, the Mets face what is essentially a must-win scenario in Game 4 on Thursday. A loss would put them in a 3-1 series hole that is historically difficult to overcome.
New York will send veteran left-hander Jose Quintana to the mound. He will face off against the Dodgers’ highly-touted rookie, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, in a matchup that will have major implications for the series.
