Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani celebrates as he watches the flight of his three-run home run during the eighth inning of Game 3 of the National League Championship Series against the New York Mets on Wednesday night in New York. The Dodgers won, 8-0, to grab a 2-1 lead in the best-of-seven series. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
New York Mets pitcher Luis Severino throws against the Dodgers during the first inning in Game 3 of a baseball NL Championship Series, Wednesday, Oct. 16, 2024, in New York. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)
Dodgers star Mookie Betts shows his frustration after striking out during the first inning of Game 3 of the National League Championship Series against the New York Mets on Wednesday night in New York. (Photo by Luke Hales/Getty Images)
New York Mets starting pitcher Luis Severino throws to the plate during the first inning of Game 3 of the National League Championship Series against the Dodgers on Wednesday night in New York. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)
The Dodgers’ Freddie Freeman shows his frustration after striking out during the first inning of Game 3 of the National League Championship Series against the New York Mets on Wednesday night in New York. (Photo by Luke Hales/Getty Images)
New York Mets starting pitcher Luis Severino walks to the dugout during the first inning in Game 3 of a baseball NL Championship Series against the Dodgers, Wednesday, Oct. 16, 2024, in New York. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
Dodgers starting pitcher Walker Buehler throws to the plate during the first inning of Game 3 of the National League Championship Series against the New York Mets on Wednesday night in New York. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)
The New York Mets’ Brandon Nimmo celebrates after a single against the Dodgers during the first inning in Game 3 of a baseball NL Championship Series, Wednesday, Oct. 16, 2024, in New York. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
A New York Mets fan holds a sign during Game 3 of the National League Championship Series against the Dodgers on Wednesday night in New York. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)
Dodgers center fielder Hernández catches a fly ball during the first inning of Game 3 of the National League Championship Series against the New York Mets on Wednesday night in New York. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
The Dodgers’ Max Muncy is safe past New York Mets second baseman Jose Iglesias during the second inning in Game 3 of a baseball NL Championship Series, Wednesday, Oct. 16, 2024, in New York. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)
The Dodgers’ Will Smith hits RBI single against the New York Mets during the second inning in Game 3 of a baseball NL Championship Series, Wednesday, Oct. 16, 2024, in New York. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
The Dodgers’ Will Smith hits a single during the second inning of Game 3 of the National League Championship Series against the New York Mets on Wednesday night in New York. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
The Dodgers’ Max Muncy, left, and Tommy Edman celebrate after Muncy scored a run in the second inning against the New York Mets during Game Three of the National League Championship Series at Citi Field on October 16, 2024 in New York City. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)
The Dodgers’ Tommy Edman hits a sacrifice fly during the second inning in Game 3 of a baseball NL Championship Series against the New York Mets, Wednesday, Oct. 16, 2024, in New York. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
The Dodgers’ Tommy Edman watches his sacrifice fly against the New York Mets during the second inning in Game 3 of a baseball NL Championship Series, Wednesday, Oct. 16, 2024, in New York. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
New York Mets center fielder Tyrone Taylor slides to make a catch on a sacrifice fly during the second inning of Game 3 of the National League Championship Series against the Dodgers on Wednesday night in New York. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
New York Mets center fielder Tyrone Taylor, left, catches a sacrifice fly hit by the Dodgers’ Tommy Edman as right fielder Starling Marte converges on him during the first inning in Game 3 of the NL Championship Series on Wednesday night in New York. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)
The Dodgers’ Tommy Edman celebrates in the dugout after hitting a sacrifice fly against the New York Mets during the second inning in Game 3 of a baseball NL Championship Series, Wednesday, Oct. 16, 2024, in New York. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
Dodgers second baseman Gavin Lux throws to first base during the second inning of Game 3 of the National League Championship Series against the New York Mets on Wednesday night in New York. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
Dodgers shortstop Tommy Edman can’t get a glove on a ball hit by the New York Mets’ Jose Iglesias during the second inning in Game 3 of a baseball NL Championship Series, Wednesday, Oct. 16, 2024, in New York. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)
Dodgers shortstop Tommy Edman can’t get a glove on a ball hit by the New York Mets’ Jose Iglesias during the second inning in Game 3 of a baseball NL Championship Series, Wednesday, Oct. 16, 2024, in New York. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)
Dodgers shortstop Tommy Edman can’t get a glove on a ball hit by New York Mets’ Jose Iglesias the second inning in Game 3 of a baseball NL Championship Series, Wednesday, Oct. 16, 2024, in New York. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)
Dodgers starting pitcher Walker Buehler walks across the field in the second inning against the New York Mets during Game Three of the National League Championship Series at Citi Field on October 16, 2024 in New York City. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
Fans cheer during the second inning in Game 3 of a baseball NL Championship Series between the Dodgers and the New York Mets, Wednesday, Oct. 16, 2024, in New York. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
The New York Mets’ Francisco Alvarez reacts after striking out in the second inning against the Dodgers during Game 3 of the National League Championship Series at Citi Field on October 16, 2024 in New York City. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)
Dodgers starting pitcher Walker Buehler throws to the plate during the first inning of Game 3 of the National League Championship Series against the New York Mets on Wednesday night at Citi Field in New York. Buehler pitched four scoreless innings in an 8-0 win. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)
Dodgers starting pitcher Walker Buehler, left, and catcher Will Smith, right, celebrate after the New York Mets’ Francisco Lindor struck out with the bases loaded to end the second inning of Game 3 of the National League Championship Series on Wednesday night in New York. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
Dodgers starting pitcher Walker Buehler reacts during the second inning of Game 3 of the National League Championship Series against the New York Mets on Wednesday night in New York. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)
The New York Mets’ Francisco Lindor reacts after striking out in the second inning against the Dodgers during Game 3 of the National League Championship Series at Citi Field on October 16, 2024 in New York City. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)
A New York Mets fan holds a sign during Game 3 of the National League Championship Series against the Dodgers on Wednesday night in New York. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani fouls a ball off against the New York Mets during the third inning in Game 3 of a baseball NL Championship Series, Wednesday, Oct. 16, 2024, in New York. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
The Dodgers’ Max Muncy hits a single during the third inning of Game 3 of the National League Championship Series against the New York Mets on Wednesday night in New York. (Photo by Luke Hales/Getty Images)
The Dodgers’ Teoscar Hernández breaks his bat and flies out against the New York Mets during the third inning in Game 3 of a baseball NL Championship Series, Wednesday, Oct. 16, 2024, in New York. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
The Dodgers’ Teoscar Hernández breaks his bat and flies out against the New York Mets during the third inning in Game 3 of a baseball NL Championship Series, Wednesday, Oct. 16, 2024, in New York. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)
Dodgers right fielder Mookie Betts can’t get a glove on a single hit by the New York Mets’ Mark Vientos during the third inning in Game 3 of a baseball NL Championship Series, Wednesday, Oct. 16, 2024, in New York. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)
Dodgers right fielder Mookie Betts dives to attempt to make a catch during the third inning of Game 3 of the National League Championship Series against the New York Mets on Wednesday night in New York. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
Dodgers right fielder Mookie Betts dives to try to make a catch during the third inning of Game 3 of the National League Championship Series against the New York Mets on Wednesday night in New York. (Photo by Luke Hales/Getty Images)
Fans light up the stadium during the third inning of Game 3 of the NL Championship Series between the Dodgers and the New York Mets on Wednesday night in New York. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)
New York Mets fans cheer during Game 3 of the National League Championship Series against the Dodgers on Wednesday night in New York. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
The New York Mets’ Starling Marte is hit by a pitch during the third inning of Game 3 of the National League Championship Series against the Dodgers on Wednesday night in New York. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)
New York Mets starting pitcher Luis Severino, center, walks off the field after being removed during the fifth inning of Game 3 of the National League Championship Series against the Dodgers on Wednesday night in New York. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)
New York Mets starting pitcher Luis Severino is taken out of the game against the Dodgers during the fifth inning in Game 3 of a baseball NL Championship Series, Wednesday, Oct. 16, 2024, in New York. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
New York Mets relief pitcher Reed Garrett throws against the Dodgers during the fifth inning in Game 3 of a baseball NL Championship Series, Wednesday, Oct. 16, 2024, in New York. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)
Dodgers relief pitcher Michael Kopech throws to the plate during the fifth inning in Game 3 of the NL Championship Series against the New York Mets on Wednesday night in New York. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)
Dodgers relief pitcher Michael Kopech throws to the plate during the fifth inning in Game 3 of the NL Championship Series against the New York Mets on Wednesday night in New York. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)
The Dodgers’ Kike Hernández hits a two-run home run against the New York Mets during the sixth inning in Game 3 of a baseball NL Championship Series, Wednesday, Oct. 16, 2024, in New York. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
The Dodgers’ Kike Hernández watches the flight of his two-run home run against the New York Mets during the sixth inning in Game 3 of a baseball NL Championship Series, Wednesday, Oct. 16, 2024, in New York. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
New York Mets left fielder Brandon Nimmo leaps in vain to try and catch a ball that was hit for a two-run home run by the Dodgers’ Kike Hernández during the sixth inning during Game Three of the National League Championship Series at Citi Field on October 16, 2024 in New York City. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
The Dodgers’ Kike Hernández celebrates as he runs the bases after hitting a two-run home run against the New York Mets during the sixth inning in Game 3 of a baseball NL Championship Series, Wednesday, Oct. 16, 2024, in New York. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
The Dodgers’ Kike Hernández celebrates as he runs the bases after hitting a two-run home run against the New York Mets during the sixth inning in Game 3 of a baseball NL Championship Series, Wednesday, Oct. 16, 2024, in New York. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
The Dodgers’ Kike Hernández celebrates as he runs the bases after hitting a two-run home run against the New York Mets during the sixth inning in Game 3 of a baseball NL Championship Series, Wednesday, Oct. 16, 2024, in New York. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)
The Dodgers’ Kike Hernández, right, celebrates with teammate Tommy Edman after Hernández hit a two-run home run in the sixth inning against the New York Mets during Game Three of the National League Championship Series at Citi Field on October 16, 2024 in New York City. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
The Dodgers’ Kike Hernández celebrates as he returns to the dugout after hitting a two-run home run during the sixth inning of Game 3 of the NL Championship Series against the New York Mets on Wednesday night in New York. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)
The Dodgers’ Kike Hernández, left, celebrates his two-run home run with teammate Teoscar Hernandez as he returns to the dugout during the sixth inning of Game 3 of the NL Championship Series against the New York Mets on Wednesday night in New York. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
The Dodgers’ Kike Hernández celebrates after hitting a home run in the sixth inning against the New York Mets during Game Three of the National League Championship Series at Citi Field on October 16, 2024 in New York City. (Photo by Luke Hales/Getty Images)
Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani is hit by a foul ball during the sixth inning of their 8-0 victory over the New York Mets in Game 3 of the National League Championship Series on Wednesday night in New York. (Photo by Luke Hales/Getty Images)
Dodgers second baseman Gavin Lux turns a double play during the sixth inning of Game 3 of the National League Championship Series against the New York Mets on Wednesday night in New York. (Photo by Luke Hales/Getty Images)
The Dodgers’ Mookie Betts hits a single during the seventh inning of their 8-0 victory over the New York Mets in Game 3 of the National League Championship Series on Wednesday night in New York. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)
Dodgers relief pitcher Blake Treinen throws to the plate during the seventh inning in Game 3 of the NL Championship Series against the New York Mets on Wednesday night in New York. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)
Dodgers relief pitcher Blake Treinen celebrates during the seventh inning of Game 3 of the NL Championship Series against the New York Mets on Wednesday night in New York. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)
New York Mets star Francisco Lindor walks across the field after the seventh inning of their 8-0 loss to the Dodgers in Game 3 of the National League Championship Series on Wednesday night in New York. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
New York Mets relief pitcher Tylor Megill throws against the Dodgers during the eighth inning in Game 3 of a baseball NL Championship Series, Wednesday, Oct. 16, 2024, in New York. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)
Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani hits a three-run home run against the New York Mets during the eighth inning in Game 3 of a baseball NL Championship Series, Wednesday, Oct. 16, 2024, in New York. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)
Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani hits a three-run home run against the New York Mets during the eighth inning in Game 3 of a baseball NL Championship Series, Wednesday, Oct. 16, 2024, in New York. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani watches the flight of his three-run home run during the eighth inning of their 8-0 victory over the New York Mets in Game 3 of the National League Championship Series on Wednesday night in New York. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)
Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani celebrates his three-run home run against the New York Mets during the eighth inning in Game 3 of a baseball NL Championship Series, Wednesday, Oct. 16, 2024, in New York. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani celebrates his three-run home run against the New York Mets during the eighth inning in Game 3 of a baseball NL Championship Series, Wednesday, Oct. 16, 2024, in New York. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)
Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani celebrates his three-run home run against the New York Mets during the eighth inning in Game 3 of a baseball NL Championship Series, Wednesday, Oct. 16, 2024, in New York. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani celebrates his three-run home run against the New York Mets during the eighth inning in Game 3 of a baseball NL Championship Series, Wednesday, Oct. 16, 2024, in New York. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)
Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani celebrates as he runs the bases after hitting a three-run home run against the New York Mets during the eighth inning in Game 3 of a baseball NL Championship Series, Wednesday, Oct. 16, 2024, in New York. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani, right, celebrates his three-run home run with teammate Kike Hernández against the New York Mets during the eighth inning in Game 3 of a baseball NL Championship Series, Wednesday, Oct. 16, 2024, in New York. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
Dodgers relief pitcher Ben Casparius throws against the New York Mets during the eighth inning in Game 3 of a baseball NL Championship Series, Wednesday, Oct. 16, 2024, in New York. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)
New York Mets relief pitcher Tylor Megill throws against the Dodgers during the ninth inning in Game 3 of a baseball NL Championship Series, Wednesday, Oct. 16, 2024, in New York. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)
The Dodgers’ Max Muncy watches the flight of his solo home run against the New York Mets during the ninth inning in Game 3 of a baseball NL Championship Series, Wednesday, Oct. 16, 2024, in New York. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
The Dodgers’ Max Muncy celebrates as he runs the bases after hitting a solo home run against the New York Mets during the ninth inning in Game 3 of a baseball NL Championship Series, Wednesday, Oct. 16, 2024, in New York. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
The Dodgers’ Max Muncy celebrates as he runs the bases after hitting a solo home run during the ninth inning of Game 3 of the NL Championship Series against the New York Mets on Wednesday night in New York. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)
The Dodgers’ Max Muncy celebrates his home run against the New York Mets during the ninth inning in Game 3 of a baseball NL Championship Series, Wednesday, Oct. 16, 2024, in New York. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
A New York Mets fan looks on from the stands during the team’s 8-0 loss to the Dodgers in Game 3 of the National League Championship Series on Wednesday night in New York. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
Dodgers catcher Will Smith, left, and relief pitcher Ben Casparius celebrate after their 8-0 victory over the New York Mets in Game 3 of the National League Championship Series on Wednesday night in New York. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)
Dodgers catcher Will Smith, right, and relief pitcher Ben Casparius celebrate after their 8-0 victory over the New York Mets in Game 3 of the National League Championship Series on Wednesday night in New York. (Photo by Luke Hales/Getty Images)
Dodgers outfielders Teoscar Hernández, left, Kevin Kiermaier, center, and Mookie Betts celebrate after their 8-0 victory over the New York Mets in Game 3 of the National League Championship Series on Wednesday night in New York. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
Injured Dodgers pitcher Clayton Kershaw, center left, and right fielder Mookie Betts (50) celebrate after their 8-0 victory over the New York Mets in Game 3 of the National League Championship Series on Wednesday night in New York. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani walks across the field after their 8-0 victory over the New York Mets in Game 3 of the National League Championship Series on Wednesday night in New York. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
Former New York Mets outfielder Darryl Strawberry throws a ceremonial first pitch before Game 3 of the National League Championship Series between the Dodgers and the Mets on Wednesday night in New York. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)
Former New York Mets pitcher Dwight Gooden catches a ceremonial first pitch from former teammate Darryl Strawberry before Game 3 of the National League Championship Series between the Dodgers and the New York Mets on Wednesday night in New York. (Photo by Luke Hales/Getty Images)
Former New York Mets stars Dwight Gooden, left, and Darryl Strawberry embrace after a ceremonial first pitch before Game 3 of the National League Championship Series between the Dodgers and the Mets on Wednesday night in New York. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)
Former New York Mets stars Darryl Strawberry, left, and Dwight Gooden walk across the field after a ceremonial first pitch before Game 3 of the National League Championship Series between the Dodgers and the Mets on Wednesday night in New York. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)
Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani is introduced before Game 3 of a baseball NL Championship Series against the New York Mets, Wednesday, Oct. 16, 2024, in New York. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani is introduced before Game 3 of the National League Championship Series against the New York Mets on Wednesday night in New York. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)
A general view during the national anthem before Game 3 of the National League Championship Series between the Dodgers and the New York Mets on Wednesday night in New York. (Photo by Luke Hales/Getty Images)
New York Mets players and coaches line up on the first base line during the national anthem before Game 3 of the National League Championship Series against the Dodgers on Wednesday night in New York. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)
Dodgers utility player Kike Hernández warms up before Game 3 of the National League Championship Series against the New York Mets on Wednesday night in New York. (Photo by Luke Hales/Getty Images)
Dodgers right fielder Mookie Betts, left, and New York Mets designated hitter J.D. Martinez shake hands before Game 3 of the NL Championship Series on Wednesday night in New York. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
Dodgers star Mookie Betts warms up before Game 3 of the National League Championship Series against the New York Mets on Wednesday night in New York. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)
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Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani celebrates as he watches the flight of his three-run home run during the eighth inning of Game 3 of the National League Championship Series against the New York Mets on Wednesday night in New York. The Dodgers won, 8-0, to grab a 2-1 lead in the best-of-seven series. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
NEW YORK — The Dodgers are putting the O’s in OMG.
For the second time in the first three games of this National League Championship Series and the fourth time in their past five games this postseason the Dodgers used a group effort to spin a shutout and beat the New York Mets, 8-0, in Game 3 on Wednesday night at Citi Field.
The Mets – who have used infielder Jose Iglesias’ Latin pop hit “OMG” as their theme song as they salvaged their season – managed just four hits. Max Muncy alone was on base more than that – not for long the last time. After three walks and a single, Muncy joined Kiké Hernandez and Shohei Ohtani in hitting home runs.
The win puts the Dodgers up two games to one in the best-of-seven NLCS. Game 4 is Thursday at 5 p.m. PT (FS1).
“To have the advantage in the playoff series is huge,” starting pitcher Walker Buehler said. “I always talk about momentum in the playoffs, whether it’s an inning or a game or a series. And this is definitely a big momentum win for us. But if we don’t do something with it, then it doesn’t really matter a whole lot.”
Buehler got that momentum started with four stress-filled scoreless innings.
“Walker was Walker Buehler. It’s what we expected. It’s what everyone in this clubhouse trusted him to be,” Muncy said. “He thrives in these moments. There’s never a moment that gets too big for him. There’s never a situation that gets too big for him. He’s able to control everything. He was Walker Buehler tonight.”
He was. But only by the postseason’s lowering bar for starting pitchers. The Mets had runners on base in each of the first three, innings loading the bases in the second – and got nothing to show for it.
Buehler struck out Pete Alonso with a runner on in the first inning. After two walks and a misplayed grounder by shortstop Tommy Edman loaded the bases with one out in the second, Buehler got a called third strike on Francisco Alvarez then dropped a full-count hammer of a curveball on Francisco Lindor to escape damage.
“Oh, in 2018, 2019, 2020, I would have thrown a fastball. Yeah,” Buehler said, acknowledging the metamorphosis he is undergoing since returning from his second elbow surgery.
“That with 3-2 and the bases loaded, I have to throw a curveball now instead of a heater,” he said of the most difficult lesson he has learned in his comeback season.
But that curveball might have been the most important pitch of the night.
“That was great,” Muncy said. “I don’t think anyone over there would have expected Walker to throw that pitch in that situation and that’s why Walker did it. He executed it and that’s what he does. He showed the emotion there and got us all fired up for sure.”
It was more of the same in the third after the Mets put two on with two outs. Buehler struck out Mets DH J.D. Martinez with a sweeper breaking off the plate.
Buehler struck out six in the first four innings and got a season-high 18 swings-and-misses – six each on his curveball and sweeper.
It was vintage Buehler in those moments. But Dodgers manager Dave Roberts was still guarding against the more recent vintage. With the high-leverage core of the Dodgers’ bullpen well-rested, Roberts had no plans to let Buehler face the Mets’ lineup a third time.
If Buehler’s four innings were difficult, Luis Severino’s were no less torturous. The two Game 3 starters combined for 8⅔ innings – and most of FOX’s broadcast hours for the week. Buehler and Severino threw 185 pitches to get less than halfway through the game. At least Buehler was able to avoid damage. Severino could not.
Muncy drew the first of his three walks in the game leading off the second inning. Teoscar Hernandez chopped a ball in front of the plate that catcher Alvarez fielded and thought he could get the lead runner. His throw was wide of second base and the Dodgers had two on with no outs.
After Gavin Lux grounded out to the pitcher, Will Smith hit another one back to the mound. Severino – a finalist for a Gold Glove this season – couldn’t field this one and a run scored. Tommy Edman hit the only well-struck ball of the inning – a fly ball that center fielder Tyrone Taylor tracked down on the warning track, making an outstanding catch. A second run scored on the sacrifice fly, the only ball that left the infield all inning.
Balls started leaving the infield with more frequency against the Mets’ bullpen. Kiké Hernandez doubled the Dodgers’ lead with a two-run home run in the sixth inning, his second homer this postseason and 15th in 78 career postseason games.
“He’s got it. Whatever it is, he’s got it,” Smith said of Hernandez’s ability to step up in the postseason.
Shohei Ohtani definitely has “it” during the regular season. But he has yet to establish that in the postseason. He didn’t bat with runners on base in Game 3 until the eighth inning – and launched a three-run home run into the right field upper deck.
“Obviously you ask the umpires to take a look because it doesn’t cost you a challenge,” Muncy said of the replay review that followed. “But I don’t know how you ever overturn it. That ball was 100 feet over the foul pole. The foul pole’s not tall enough for that one.”
Ohtani is now an amazing 7 for 9 with two home runs with runners on base in his first eight postseason games – and a mystifying 0 for 22 with 13 strikeouts when no one is on base.
With the score still tight, Roberts ran with Michael Kopech in the fifth inning, Ryan Brasier in the sixth and Blake Treinen in the seventh. With the game tilted to 7-0 in the Dodgers’ favor by Ohtani’s blast, he closed with Ben Casparius over the final two scoreless innings, saving Evan Phillips and Daniel Hudson for another day.
“They’re good. We have some good pitchers,” Muncy said of the Dodgers’ four shutouts. “I think the biggest thing is we have good attitudes in terms of how to handle the postseason atmosphere. We’ve got a lot of guys that are built for the moment and you’ve seen it.”
