Los Angeles Dodgers Take Commanding Lead in NLCS with a Power-Packed Performance

Shohei Ohtani lit the fuse with a solo home run to kick off the game and circled the bases four times, while Mookie Betts provided the firepower with a home run and four RBIs, propelling the Los Angeles Dodgers to a comprehensive 10-2 victory over the New York Mets on Thursday evening. This win has positioned the Dodgers with a 3-1 advantage in the heavily-tilted National League Championship Series.

Betts, Ohtani, and Muncy Create History

Betts showcased his prowess with a two-run homer and a two-run double among his four hits. Max Muncy set a postseason record by safely reaching base in 12 consecutive plate appearances. The Dodgers’ dominance has put them just one victory away from securing their 25th pennant, a record in the National League.

Game 5: Flaherty to Head LA’s Charge

The decisive Game 5 is scheduled for Friday at Citi Field, with Jack Flaherty prepared to toe the mound for Los Angeles, hoping to send his hometown team to the World Series. David Peterson is set to make his debut playoff start for New York, following an impressive stint from the bullpen this postseason.

Edman and Betts Blow Open the Game

Tommy Edman, the surprise cleanup hitter, contributed three RBIs, including a clutch double off starter Jose Quintana in the third inning. Kiké Hernández supplemented this with an RBI single, pushing the score to 3-1. Betts then took center stage, greeting reliever Jose Buttó with a two-run double in the fourth, followed by a two-run homer off Phil Maton in the sixth.

Mets Struggle on Home Turf

Despite Mark Vientos’ fourth postseason homer in the first inning off rookie Yoshinobu Yamamoto, who comes with a $325 million price tag, the Mets struggled at home. They were outscored 30-9 in the series, including 9-0 in the opener and 8-0 in Game 3.

Phillips Secures Win Amid Mets’ Struggles

Evan Phillips clinched the win with 1 1/3 scoreless innings in relief of Yamamoto. The Mets, who were trailing 7-2, had a potential comeback opportunity in the sixth, with bases loaded and no outs. However, Phillips and Blake Treinen managed to thwart the Mets’ charge.

Looking Forward

Flaherty, who was acquired from Detroit at the July 30 trade deadline, will aim to replicate his NLCS opener performance where he pitched seven scoreless innings. The Dodgers will hope to seal their place in the World Series, while the Mets will look to bounce back and extend the series.