NEW YORK -- After a frustrating Game 2 loss, which ended their impressive streak of 33 consecutive scoreless innings, the Dodgers were determined to start fresh. And they did just that on Wednesday night.
Led by Walker Buehler’s solid four innings on the mound and a continued show of dominance by their bullpen, the Dodgers secured a commanding 8-0 win over the Mets in Game 3 of the National League Championship Series at Citi Field. With this win, the Dodgers have now thrown four shutouts in their last five games. Impressively, they became the first team in postseason history to record at least three shutout victories by seven or more runs in a single playoff series.
Historically, the odds favor teams that take Game 3 in a best-of-seven series when tied 1-1. Out of 100 series, 69 have been won by the Game 3 victor. Teams that win Game 3 on the road, as the Dodgers did, have gone on to win the series 75% of the time under the current 2-3-2 format.
“I’m really impressed with this team overall. It’s been great to be part of it,” said Dodgers reliever Michael Kopech. “Our offense has been fantastic, but it’s great that we can step in and shut the door when needed. It gives everyone some breathing room, and the teamwork has been huge.”
Although Buehler didn’t seem to have his best command early on, as he threw two balls to Francisco Lindor to start the game, he quickly adjusted his approach. Shifting to pitching out of the stretch, Buehler found his rhythm and got into the groove, even if his performance wasn’t always picture-perfect.
In his four innings, Buehler struck out six batters and induced 18 swings and misses—the most in the first four innings of a postseason game since 2008, when pitch-tracking data first became available.
“It’s been a tough year for Walker, but we’ve always said it—when it’s a big game, we want Walker on the mound. He thrives in these moments,” said Dodgers utilityman Kiké Hernández, who added to the lead with a clutch two-run homer. “When Walker is pitching in a big game, we all feel confident.”
One of Buehler’s most crucial moments came in the second inning. With a 2-0 lead, he found himself in trouble after giving up a single and walking two batters to load the bases with one out. But he responded with a big strikeout of Francisco Alvarez, followed by a high-stakes showdown with Lindor. After working a full count, Citi Field was on the verge of exploding. But Buehler kept his cool, throwing a sharp curveball that caused Lindor to swing and miss, ending the inning and silencing the crowd.
Buehler’s fiery exit from the mound, screaming with relief and excitement, was a familiar sight for Dodgers fans in October.
“Big games are what I live for,” Buehler said. “The way Kiké talks about how the team feels when I pitch—that confidence is what I aim for. Stats and contracts are important, but I want my teammates to believe I give them the best chance to win.”
Though Buehler’s outing set the tone, he didn’t last as long as he would’ve liked, exiting after four innings. But with the way the Dodgers’ bullpen has performed this postseason, the team had no concerns about relying on their relievers for the final five innings.
The Dodgers’ dominant win not only puts them ahead in the series but also underscores their ability to perform under pressure, setting the stage for the rest of this thrilling NLCS matchup.
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