Queens, NY— The Los Angeles Dodgers faced off against the New York Mets for the ninth time this season on Wednesday night, marking their fourth postseason meeting. The two teams previously clashed in the 2015 NLDS (won by the Mets, 3-2), the 2006 NLDS (Mets, 3-0), and the 1988 NLCS (Dodgers, 4-3). Historically, the Dodgers hold a favorable record at Citi Field, going 31-15, while the Mets have a 7-6 postseason record at home since the ballpark opened in 2009.
When Shohei Ohtani came to the plate in the eighth inning, the Dodgers were already in command of the game. Ohtani delivered a decisive blow with a three-run homer, leading Los Angeles to an 8-0 victory over the Mets and giving the Dodgers a 2-1 edge in the best-of-seven National League Championship Series.
Kiké Hernández contributed with a two-run homer in the sixth inning, marking his 15th career postseason home run, which quieted the Citi Field crowd. The Dodgers bounced back from a home loss, showcasing their pitching prowess with their fourth shutout in the last five playoff games.
“These players are focused and aware of their responsibilities to minimize runs,” said Dodgers manager Dave Roberts. “I believe our defense has also been playing exceptionally well.”
Game 4 is set for Thursday night in Queens, featuring rookie Yoshinobu Yamamoto, who has a $325 million contract, starting for Los Angeles against veteran left-hander José Quintana.
Ohtani’s 410-foot blast sailed into the second deck in right field, where he paused momentarily at home plate to admire his shot that barely stayed between the right-field pole.
Max Muncy also left the yard in the ninth inning, notching his 13th career postseason home run, which ties him with Corey Seager and Justin Turner for the franchise record. Muncy previously connected in Game 2 of the series.
“It’s truly a blessing. I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity to play in enough games to achieve these numbers,” Muncy reflected. “I’m thankful to be part of a team that consistently reaches the postseason.”
Dodgers starter Walker Buehler delivered a standout performance, striking out Francisco Lindor with a full-count knuckle curveball to leave the bases loaded in the second inning. The fired-up Buehler celebrated as he exited the mound, even directing some enthusiasm towards Lindor.

“That pitch was the key moment of the game,” Roberts noted. “The crowd was energized, and we were facing some momentum. To get that strikeout against a great hitter was crucial. It’s a testament to Buehler’s experience.”
New York struggled offensively, leaving six runners stranded in the first three innings against Buehler, who ultimately struck out six batters in four innings, allowing only three hits.
“Walker transforms into a different player in the postseason. I don’t care about his regular-season stats, especially this year after his second Tommy John surgery,” Muncy said. “We all knew he would rise to the occasion tonight, and he certainly did.”
Buehler made his 17th career postseason start, having struggled earlier in the playoffs but stepping up when it mattered most. “In big games, that’s what drives me,” Buehler said. “This win gives us momentum, but if we don’t capitalize on it, it doesn’t mean much.”
Buehler and four relievers combined to allow just four hits, and the Dodgers’ bullpen provided five scoreless innings of support. Michael Kopech recorded a hitless fifth inning, and the Dodgers pitching staff finished with an impressive 13 strikeouts.
Mets starter Luis Severino fell behind early, allowing two runs in the second inning due in part to fielding errors. Although he didn’t give up an earned run, Severino threw 95 pitches and issued four walks in 4 2/3 innings, taking the loss.
Will Smith, who has been struggling, managed to drive in a run with an infield single, and Tommy Edman had a sacrifice fly that could have resulted in more runs had it not been for an exceptional catch by Tyrone Taylor in right-center.
Los Angeles secured consecutive shutouts against the San Diego Padres to win their Division Series after trailing two games to one. They then blanked the Mets 9-0 in Game 1 of the NLCS, extending their scoreless streak to 33 innings, tying a postseason record.
The only recent setback for the Dodgers’ pitching staff came in Game 2 when Lindor hit a leadoff homer, leading to a 7-3 Mets victory at Chavez Ravine.
Ohtani entered the game batting .222 with a home run and five RBIs in his first postseason. The $700 million superstar was instrumental in the Dodgers’ offense during Game 1 against the Mets but had not hit a home run since early in the Division Series.
“It’s crucial for Shohei to build some confidence,” Roberts remarked.
When Ohtani connected with an 0-1 cutter from Tylor Megill in the eighth inning, he pointed toward the Dodgers’ dugout. The ball was ruled fair after a successful replay review.
“I threw it into his sweet spot, and he sent it into the upper deck,” Megill said.
Since the regular season, Ohtani has excelled with 17 hits and 27 RBIs in his last 20 at-bats with runners in scoring position, including seven home runs. However, he is 0 for 22 this postseason with the bases empty, but he has thrived with runners on base, hitting 7 for 9 with two homers and eight RBIs.
Los Angeles improved to 4-0 at Citi Field this season, outscoring New York 26-5, including a three-game sweep in late May that contributed to the Mets’ struggles early in the season.
“I appreciate that we’re getting players on base, but we just need to find that big hit,” Mets manager Carlos Mendoza said. “As long as we keep creating opportunities, someone will eventually come through.”
Injury Update:
Dodgers: Second baseman Gavin Lux returned to the lineup, batting sixth after missing Game 2 due to a right hip flexor injury sustained in the series opener.
Looking Ahead
Yamamoto (7-2, 3.00 ERA) had a rough start in the Division Series opener against San Diego but rebounded to pitch five scoreless innings in the decisive Game 5. He threw 39 of his 63 pitches for strikes.
Quintana (10-10, 3.75 ERA) has not allowed an earned run over his last 11 innings in two playoff starts, both of which resulted in no decisions. Dating back to August 25, the 35-year-old left-hander has given up just three earned runs in his last eight starts, totaling 47 1/3 innings.