The Los Angeles Dodgers powered through Game 3 of the National League Championship Series with an 8-0 win over the New York Mets. Shohei Ohtani launched a three-run homer, and Walker Buehler led a lights-out pitching performance to give LA a 2-1 series lead.
Buehler Silences Mets’ Bats
One thing was clear early in the game: Walker Buehler had no interest in backing down. With the bases loaded in the second inning, the Dodgers’ ace struck out Francisco Lindor, leaving the Mets stunned. From that moment on, it was smooth sailing for Buehler and his bullpen backup.
- Innings pitched: 5
- Hits allowed: 4
- Strikeouts: 13
- Bullpen innings: 5 scoreless
Buehler showed command of the strike zone, inducing 18 swings and misses, his best since 2021. The Dodgers’ relievers maintained the pressure, throwing five innings without giving up a run, completing LA’s fourth shutout in five games.
“I said earlier I like pitching in the cold,” Buehler remarked, a statement that now seems an understatement. The crowd at Citi Field saw another Dodger masterpiece on the mound.
Ohtani’s Monster Shot Caps the Night
While Buehler and the pitching staff locked things down, Shohei Ohtani delivered the game’s signature moment. With two men on in the eighth inning, Ohtani launched a 410-foot homer that stayed just fair over the right-field foul pole. The hit pushed the Dodgers’ lead to 7-0 and took the last wind out of the Mets’ sails.
Ohtani’s contributions in the postseason have been crucial for LA. His ability to come through in clutch moments has made him a central figure in the Dodgers’ push for the World Series.
Max Muncy followed up with a solo homer in the ninth, tying the Dodgers’ postseason home run record at 13. The Dodgers’ power wasn’t just about individual highlights, though. It was a show of force that signaled a team ready to close out the series.
Hernández and Muncy Join the Fun
Not to be outdone, Kiké Hernández provided a key two-run shot in the sixth inning. After quieting the crowd with the long ball, Hernández waved to Mets fans, adding a bit of flair to the celebration. Muncy’s ninth-inning homer made him the franchise’s all-time postseason home run leader, joining the ranks of Corey Seager and Justin Turner.
The Dodgers’ offense was dynamic and varied. They capitalized on their chances while keeping the pressure on a Mets pitching staff that couldn’t find an answer.
Dodgers’ offensive breakdown over the past 5 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 |
Mets Struggle with Missed Opportunities
The Mets couldn’t seem to find their rhythm at the plate, leaving multiple opportunities stranded, especially early in the game. Francisco Lindor’s bases-loaded strikeout in the second was a microcosm of their frustrations.
Luis Severino took the mound for the Mets but had trouble controlling the game. While he didn’t allow any earned runs, Severino’s 95 pitches over 4⅔ innings showed how taxing the Dodgers’ lineup can be.
The Mets couldn’t overcome errors, including some sloppy fielding. As a result, the Dodgers capitalized and never let the game get close.
With Game 4 looming on Thursday, the Mets will have to dig deep. They will send veteran lefty Jose Quintana to face Dodgers’ highly-touted rookie Yoshinobu Yamamoto in what feels like a must-win scenario for New York.
