Dodgers display late power, blank Mets for 2-1 NLCS edge

Field Level Media|published: Wed 16th October, 23:42 2024

MLB: NLCS-Los Angeles Dodgers at New York Mets

Oct 16, 2024; New York City, New York, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers two-way player Shohei Ohtani (17) hits a three run home run in the eighth inning during game three of the NLCS for the 2024 MLB playoffs at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images

NEW YORK -- Enrique Hernandez and Shohei Ohtani hit multi-run homers to provide the Los Angeles Dodgers insurance in a 8-0 win over the New York Mets on Wednesday in Game 3 of the National League Championship Series.

Hernandez belted a two-run shot in the sixth inning and Ohtani added a majestic three-run blast in the eighth for the Dodgers, who lead the best-of-seven series 2-1. Game 4 is scheduled for Thursday night in New York.

The Dodgers hit just one ball into the outfield -- a sacrifice fly -- while scoring two runs off Luis Severino (1-1) in the second inning. Los Angeles left five runners on base over the next three innings before mounting a two-out rally against Reed Garrett in the sixth.

Tommy Edman singled and went to second on a balk before Hernandez homered just beyond the reach of a leaping Brandon Nimmo in left field. The homer was the second this postseason for Hernandez and his 15th in 78 playoff games.

Hernandez averages one homer every 13.2 at-bats in the playoffs but just one homer per 29.1 at-bats in the regular season.

Max Muncy reached five times via a single, a ninth-inning homer and three walks. He also scored the Dodgers' first run on an infield single by Will Smith in the second inning. Edman followed with a sacrifice fly.

Michael Kopech (1-0), the second of the Dodgers' five pitchers, earned the win with a perfect fifth inning after relieving Walker Buehler, who gave up three hits and walked two while striking out six over four innings.

The Mets recorded just four hits and were 0-for-4 with runners in scoring position but also hit into some tough luck while the game was still close. Francisco Lindor had a pair of flyouts on balls hit at least 100 mph. In the fifth, Lindor and Mark Vientos hit consecutive flyouts to the warning track on a windy night in which the first-pitch temperature was 51 degrees.

Severino took the loss after allowing two unearned runs on three hits and four walks while striking out three over 4 2/3 innings.

--Jerry Beach, Field Level Media