Dodgers/ Mets/ NLCS/ Jack Flaherty/ Shohei Ohtani/ scoreless inning streak/ MLB playoffs/ Newslooks/ LOS ANGELES/ J. Mansour./ Morning Edition/ The Los Angeles Dodgers opened the NLCS by blanking the New York Mets 9-0, tying a postseason record of 33 consecutive scoreless innings. Pitcher Jack Flaherty led the way, allowing only two hits over seven innings, as the Dodgers built an early lead and never looked back.
Dodgers Dominate in NLCS Opener, Extend Scoreless Streak: Quick Looks
- Scoreless Streak: Dodgers’ pitchers tie postseason record of 33 straight scoreless innings.
- Pitching Power: Jack Flaherty allowed just two hits in seven innings.
- Offensive Boost: Ohtani, Betts, and Freeman drove in key runs.
- Early Lead: LA chased Mets’ Senga after only 1⅓ innings.
- Next Game: Game 2 features Mets’ Sean Manaea facing a bullpen start for the Dodgers.
Dodgers Extend Scoreless Streak, Crush Mets in NLCS Opener
Deep Look
The Los Angeles Dodgers kicked off the National League Championship Series (NLCS) with a commanding 9-0 shutout over the New York Mets on Sunday night, led by pitcher Jack Flaherty and a lineup that took early control. This victory not only set the tone for the series but also allowed the Dodgers to tie a postseason record with 33 consecutive scoreless innings, matching the Baltimore Orioles’ 1966 World Series performance.
Pitching in front of his hometown fans for the first time in postseason play as a Dodger, Flaherty delivered a stellar seven innings, allowing only two hits and striking out six. “I saw some family out there and it kind of lets you relax a bit,” Flaherty said. Reflecting on his transition from Detroit to LA, Flaherty credited his familiar surroundings and the support of friends and family as calming influences.
With each inning, Flaherty looked increasingly in command, as he retired the first nine batters he faced. Despite a walk to Francisco Lindor in the fourth, the Mets could muster only a pair of singles by Jesse Winker and Jose Iglesias in the fifth inning. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts praised Flaherty’s performance as “a pitching clinic,” noting, “He filled up the strike zone and attacked once we had the lead.”
After seven scoreless innings, Flaherty exited to a standing ovation from the 53,503-strong sellout crowd. His presence has bolstered a Dodgers rotation strained by injuries, and his poise on the mound Sunday was lauded by teammates and coaches alike. “He’s super competitive, super focused,” said Dodgers catcher Will Smith, who noted the aura Flaherty brings to the team.
Dodgers’ Early Offensive Surge
The Dodgers wasted no time taking advantage of Mets’ starter Kodai Senga’s struggles. The Japanese pitcher, appearing in only his third game since returning from injury, struggled with control, throwing only seven strikes in his 23-pitch first inning. He loaded the bases with three walks, allowing Max Muncy to drive in the game’s first runs with a single up the middle, scoring Mookie Betts and Freddie Freeman, who crossed the plate despite a lingering ankle injury.
Senga’s rough start continued into the second inning, where Shohei Ohtani’s RBI single knocked him out of the game, having recorded just four outs. Ohtani, who went 2-for-4 with a walk, played a crucial role throughout the night, both scoring twice and driving in a run, as the Dodgers built a six-run lead by the fourth inning. Betts contributed a three-run double in the eighth, solidifying the Dodgers’ largest postseason shutout win in franchise history.
For the Mets, this loss marked their most lopsided postseason shutout defeat. New York’s rookie manager, Carlos Mendoza, acknowledged the tough start, saying, “Senga just didn’t have it. The way they took those pitches showed they were non-competitive from the start.”
Historic Pitching Feat
With Sunday’s win, the Dodgers tied the 1966 Orioles’ record for consecutive scoreless innings pitched in the postseason. Daniel Hudson and Ben Casparius continued the trend, each adding a scoreless inning to close out the game. Mets hitters Lindor and Pete Alonso went a combined 0-for-6, underscoring the team’s struggles at the plate.
Los Angeles entered the NLCS on the heels of a comeback series win against San Diego, capped by back-to-back shutouts. The Dodgers’ pitching has been virtually untouchable, a trend they hope to continue as the series progresses.
Flaherty’s Homecoming and Dodgers’ Momentum
Since joining the Dodgers from Detroit at the trade deadline, Flaherty has brought consistency and strength to a team navigating injuries. Flaherty’s connection to the area, having grown up in nearby Burbank, added a personal significance to Sunday’s outing. After the game, Flaherty shared a moment with his mother, who sat near home plate, and hugged longtime friends from his Little League days.
Reflecting on the high stakes of postseason baseball, Flaherty expressed gratitude for the chance to play for his childhood team. “This game is a lot of fun, and I’ve been lucky to do it since I was a little kid,” he said. “When you’re in a game like this, you just have to remember to enjoy it.”
Next Matchup and Series Outlook
Looking ahead, the Dodgers aim to carry their momentum into Game 2, set for Monday afternoon. The Mets will start Sean Manaea, who last won Game 3 of their Division Series against Philadelphia, marking the first time this postseason the Dodgers face a left-handed starter. Los Angeles has yet to announce a starter for Game 2, likely opting for a bullpen game to manage their pitching depth.
With the Dodgers’ dominant opening performance and the resilience shown by their pitchers and lineup, Los Angeles has established itself as a formidable contender for its 25th National League pennant. Meanwhile, the Mets will need to regroup quickly to avoid falling into a 2-0 hole against a team firing on all cylinders.
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