The Los Angeles Dodgers crushed the New York Mets 10-2, moving one step closer to securing their 25th pennant. The offensive explosion was led by Shohei Ohtani and Mookie Betts, with both superstars contributing heavily to the blowout victory. With a commanding 3-1 lead in the National League Championship Series, the Dodgers are now just one win away from a ticket to the World Series.
Ohtani’s Leadoff Homer Sets the Tone
Shohei Ohtani wasted no time making his mark on Game 4. In his very first at-bat, he sent a leadoff home run soaring out of the park, giving the Dodgers an early 1-0 lead. That wasn’t all. Ohtani crossed home plate four times in the game, setting the tone for an offensive clinic by Los Angeles.
- Ohtani’s leadoff home run was his third homer of the postseason.
- He scored in four out of five of his plate appearances.
- His presence on the basepaths kept Mets’ pitchers under constant pressure.
In combination with Betts and the rest of the lineup, Ohtani’s dominance gave the Dodgers early momentum they never relinquished.
Betts Steals the Show with Four RBIs
Mookie Betts, another key figure in the Dodgers’ star-studded roster, delivered a powerhouse performance with four RBIs and a home run. His impact wasn’t just in the long ball—Betts also drove in runs with a two-run double in the fourth inning, further extending the Dodgers’ lead.
Betts, who greeted Mets’ relievers with big hits, gave his team a comfortable cushion with each at-bat.
His key stats from the game include:
- A two-run homer, his third of this postseason.
- A two-run double in the fourth inning.
- A total of four hits and four RBIs on the night.
Mets’ pitchers struggled to find any rhythm against Betts, who seemed to have a knack for capitalizing on every opportunity handed to him.
Max Muncy’s Record-Breaking Performance
Max Muncy quietly made history amidst the chaos of the Dodgers’ win. He reached base safely for the 12th consecutive plate appearance, setting a new postseason record. Muncy, who has been a model of consistency in these playoffs, added yet another impressive milestone to his resume.
- Muncy has reached base in every game of the NLCS.
- His streak broke the previous record of 11 consecutive plate appearances.
- While not hitting any home runs in Game 4, his discipline at the plate made him a constant threat to the Mets’ pitching.
Muncy’s calm and collected approach helped set the stage for the Dodgers’ offense to unleash.
Mets’ Struggles Continue, Citi Field Falls Silent
The Mets’ playoff magic seemed to evaporate during Game 4. Their inability to keep pace with the Dodgers, combined with inconsistent pitching, resulted in a second consecutive blowout loss at Citi Field.
- Mets have been outscored 30-9 throughout the series.
- Star pitcher Kodai Senga is expected to start Game 5, though no official decision has been made.
- The Mets’ offense has struggled to generate any meaningful runs outside of Mark Vientos’ solo home run in the first inning.
The once-raucous Citi Field crowd, which had been riding high on a thrilling postseason run, was left stunned and quiet as the Dodgers built their insurmountable lead.
With the Dodgers on the verge of clinching the NLCS, all eyes are now on Game 5. Jack Flaherty is set to take the mound for Los Angeles, while the Mets are scrambling to find a solution for their pitching woes. The Mets face a monumental task of trying to extend the series to Game 6, but with the Dodgers firing on all cylinders, the odds are stacked against them.
