Dodgers take charge in NLCS with dominant Game 3 victory over Mets: Key Moments
NEW YORK − Enrique Hernandez, center fielder for the Los Angeles Dodgers, isn’t known for a catchy tune blasting from the stadium speakers every quarter-hour.
He hasn’t been spotted with a rally pumpkin.
And he doesn’t hang out with the fast-food character Grimace.
Instead, he’s simply a dedicated, gritty player working to put an end to the New York Mets’ fairy tale run.
Hernandez, who shined in the Dodgers’ Division Series victory over the San Diego Padres, continued his strong play in the National League Championship Series, helping the Dodgers achieve an 8-0 win on Wednesday night in front of 43,883 fans at Citi Field.
The Dodgers have secured their fourth shutout in five postseason games, now leading the Mets 2 games to 1 and threatening to shatter the hopes of New Yorkers looking forward to a Subway Series.
The Dodgers’ pitchers did a great job against the Mets’ hitters, while Hernandez delivered a key moment with a two-run homer in the sixth inning. Shohei Ohtani then added the finishing blow with a massive three-run homer in the eighth inning.
For Hernandez, this marked his third multi-hit game in just five postseason outings.
How does a versatile utility player during the regular season suddenly transform into a postseason star?
“I enjoy Halloween,” Hernandez joked this week. “I think it’s a mix of everything. My childhood dreams are about these games. I was fortunate early in my career to gain this experience repeatedly.
“This is my ninth postseason now. It becomes a bit easier as you go, making it clear that it’s still the same game. The stakes and intensity definitely ramp up.
“I’m not sure if it’s because I’m Puerto Rican or something else, but this stage brings out the best in me.
“And I’m grateful for that,” he added.
It was a tough loss for the Mets, whose pitching struggled and their offense never showed up.
However, given the challenges the Mets have faced this season, they seem to be quite resilient.
It wouldn’t be the Mets without some drama, right?
The Mets felt confident entering the game with starter Luis Severino, who had an impressive 7-2 record and a 2.96 ERA at Citi Field this season. But after a perfect first inning, he lost control, walking four batters across 4 ⅔ innings while using 95 pitches, only 55 of which were strikes.
On the flip side, Dodgers starter Walker Buehler delivered a stellar performance, tossing four scoreless innings with just three hits allowed, two walks, and six strikeouts before being replaced by Dodgers manager Dave Roberts to avoid a third confrontation with the Mets’ lineup.
The Mets’ best opportunity to score came in the second inning when they loaded the bases with a single out, only to have catcher Francisco Alvarez and shortstop Francisco Lindor strike out.
The Dodgers capitalized on poor Mets defense for two runs in the second inning. Max Muncy started with a walk, then Teoscar Hernandez hit a roller to the front of the plate. Alvarez, who should have easily thrown Muncy out at first, bizarrely opted to fire to second base. His throw went wide, allowing everyone to reach safely. Gavin Lux then bounced out to Severino, who fumbled the ball yet managed to get an out at first.
Will Smith, who was batting seventh, then hit a ball that glanced off Severino for a run-scoring single. Tommy Edman followed with a long sacrifice fly to center, caught by Tyrone Taylor, who slid to avoid the outstretched glove of right fielder Starling Marte.
In that inning, the Dodgers sent six batters to the plate, with one ball leaving the infield, which was caught, yet they still took a 2-0 lead.
Then Hernandez’s homer in the sixth sealed the deal, and Ohtani, who had been hitless in his last 21 at-bats with nobody on base, showed his prowess with runners aboard. He approached the plate with Will Smith on second and Hernandez on first, launching a 397-foot homer off Tylor Megill, clocking in at 116 mph, extending the lead to 7-0.
Muncy capped off the Mets’ misery with a 378-foot homer of his own into the upper deck, marking the Dodgers’ second dominant win of the series, having also won Game 1, 9-0.
− Bob Nightengale
Here’s a recap of how Wednesday’s game played out, with live updates by Scott Boeck.
Dodgers finish Game 3: Dodgers 8, Mets 0
Dodgers reliever Ben Casparius pitched two scoreless innings to close out Game 3 of the NLCS. The Dodgers now lead the Mets 2-1 in the series, with Game 4 set for Thursday in New York.
Muncy ties Dodgers’ franchise record for career postseason home runs
Max Muncy added to the Dodgers’ route with a towering home run in the ninth inning off Tylor Megill. This homer tied Muncy with the Dodgers’ franchise record of 13 career postseason home runs, matching Corey Seager and Justin Turner.
Dodgers Dominate: 7-0 Against Mets
Shohei Ohtani’s performance this postseason has been noticeably different when there are runners on base. He hasn’t managed a hit in 22 at-bats when it’s empty on the bases, but he has excelled with 7 hits in 9 at-bats when runners are on. In the eighth inning, he hit a three-run homer off Mets pitcher Tylor Megill, effectively sealing the game. The Mets are left with only six outs to try and change the outcome.
Current Score: Dodgers 7, Mets 0, Bottom of the 8th
Kiké Hernandez Delivers Again: Dodgers 4, Mets 0
Kiké Hernandez shines once more, hitting his 15th career postseason home run. He sent the ball over the fence with two outs in the sixth inning off reliever Reed Garrett, extending the Dodgers’ lead to 4-0.
Earlier in this postseason, Hernandez also contributed with a home run in Game 5 of the NLDS against the San Diego Padres, which was crucial in helping the Dodgers advance to the NLCS.
Current Score: Dodgers 4, Mets 0, Bottom of the 6th
Dodgers Substitute Walker Buehler
The Dodgers have made the decision to rely on their bullpen for the final innings of Game 3. Michael Kopech took over for Walker Buehler in the fifth inning, when the score was 2-0 in favor of the Dodgers. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts discussed the plan during an in-game interview, stating, “First, I’ll have Kopech face (Francisco) Lindor and then we’ll take it from there.”
This strategy proved successful, with Kopech retiring all three batters in the fifth, starting with Lindor flying out.
Buehler’s Stats: 4 innings, 3 hits, 0 earned runs, 2 walks, 6 strikeouts.
Defensive Gems: Freeman and Lindor
Freddie Freeman showcased his skills with a fantastic scoop at first base, making the out against Tyrone Taylor in the fourth inning.
On the other side, Francisco Lindor impressed with an incredible backhand play at shortstop, denying Mookie Betts a hit in the 5th inning.
Mets’ Luis Severino Frees Himself From Bases-Loaded Scenario
In a crucial moment, the Mets successfully escaped a bases-loaded situation. In the third inning, with one out and the bases filled, Luis Severino got Teoscar Hernandez to line out to third before forcing Gavin Lux to ground out.
Current Score: Dodgers 2, Mets 0, Bottom of the 3rd
Dodgers Strike First
The Dodgers took an early advantage, leading 1-0 in the second inning – without hitting the ball out of the infield against Mets starter Luis Severino.
Max Muncy began with a walk. Teoscar Hernández grounded into a fielder’s choice, while Gavin Lux grounded out to Severino. This left Muncy at third and Hernández at second. Will Smith then made an infield single off Severino’s glove, scoring Muncy and advancing Hernández to third with one out.
The Dodgers added another run via a sacrifice fly from Tommy Edman, which could have turned out worse if it weren’t for an impressive catch by Tyrone Taylor in center field that prevented a third run from scoring.
Dave Roberts Discusses Lineup Decisions for Game 3
There has been plenty of conversation regarding Shohei Ohtani’s struggles during this postseason. With an 0-for-19 record when no runners are on base, yet a solid 6-for-8 with runners on, the question arose during Manager Dave Roberts’ press conference about potential lineup changes.
Will there be adjustments for the rest of the series?
“No, there won’t be,” Roberts answered. “It’s interesting how perceptions shift; there were earlier concerns about Shohei not hitting well with runners in scoring position, and now we’re looking for ways to get more guys on base for him. I find that quite amusing.”
“I believe making lineup tweaks for players like Teo (Hernandez), Freddie (Freeman), in the 5, 6, or even 7, 8, 9 spots makes sense, but I won’t be moving Shohei into the 3rd or 4th spot; that’s just not happening.”
Ohtani’s Postseason Performance: Navigating Challenges
NEW YORK — Throughout Tuesday’s game, Shohei Ohtani maintained a composed demeanor, occasionally smiling and laughing, showing no signs of stress under pressure.
While he’s trying to lead the Los Angeles Dodgers to the World Series, that pressure doesn’t seem to visibly affect him.
The Dodgers are managing well even without his full-impact contributions, having reached the National League Championship Series against the New York Mets. However, for the Dodgers to achieve their ultimate goal, they’ll need Ohtani to shine at some point.
Despite a roster full of stars, the idea of a World Series parade in Los Angeles seems unlikely if Ohtani’s struggles continue. He’s batting only 6-for-27 this postseason and hasn’t hit a home run in his last six games.
“This is my first postseason experience,” Ohtani shared, “so I can’t rely on past experiences. What I do know is we’ve faced strong teams with their top pitchers, so getting base hits and producing results is more challenging than usual.”
– Bob Nightengale
Dodgers vs Mets Game 3 Schedule
The first pitch is set for 8:08 p.m. ET at Citi Field on Wednesday night.
- Location: Citi Field, Queens, New York
- Date: Wednesday, Oct. 16
Watch Mets vs Dodgers
- Time: 8:08 p.m. ET
- TV Channel: Fox Sports 1
- Streaming: Stream this game on Fubo (Regional restrictions may apply)
Mets’ Lineup for NLCS Game 3
- Francisco Lindor (S) SS
- Mark Vientos (R) 3B
- Brandon Nimmo (L) LF
- Pete Alonso (R) 1B
- Starling Marte (R) RF
- J.D. Martinez (R) DH
- Jose Iglesias (R) 2B
- Tyrone Taylor (R) CF
- Francisco Alvarez (R) C
Dodgers’ Lineup for NLCS Game 3
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- Shohei Ohtani (L) DH
- Mookie Betts (R) RF
- Freddie Freeman (L) 1B
- Max Muncy (L) 3B
- Teoscar Hernández (R) LF
- Gavin Lux (L) 2B
- Will Smith (R) C
- Tommy Edman (S) SS
- Enrique Hernández (R) CF
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