The Los Angeles Dodgers delivered a commanding performance in Game 1 of the National League Championship Series (NLCS), blanking the New York Mets 9-0 on Sunday night. This emphatic victory not only put the Dodgers ahead in the best-of-seven series but also saw them tie a remarkable postseason record of 33 consecutive scoreless innings.
Jack Flaherty, who spent the first seven years of his MLB career on the East Coast, returned to his native California with the Dodgers this season. His impact was immediate, as he delivered a stellar start in the NLCS opener. Flaherty pitched seven scoreless innings, allowing only two hits and solidifying his place in Dodgers’ postseason history. This was the Dodgers’ first scoreless start of seven or more innings in the playoffs since Clayton Kershaw’s eight-inning gem in the 2020 NL Wild Card Series.
Flaherty’s performance was bolstered by the Dodgers’ bullpen, which maintained the shutout by allowing just one more hit over the final two innings. With this effort, the Dodgers matched the record of 33 consecutive scoreless innings set by the Baltimore Orioles during the 1966 World Series, coincidentally against the Dodgers themselves.
The Dodgers’ offense wasted no time in supporting their pitchers. After a wild start from Mets’ pitcher Kodai Senga, Los Angeles took control in the second inning, chasing Senga off the mound and building a six-run lead by the fourth. Senga struggled to find the strike zone, giving up walks and crucial hits that put the Mets in an early hole they couldn’t recover from.
Shohei Ohtani, cheered on by “MVP! MVP!” chants from the home crowd, went 2-for-4 with a walk, scoring twice and driving in a run. His presence in the lineup proved pivotal in putting pressure on the Mets’ pitching staff. Mookie Betts delivered the decisive blow with a three-run double in the eighth inning, sealing the Dodgers’ largest margin of victory in a postseason shutout.
The 9-0 scoreline marked the Mets’ most one-sided shutout loss in postseason history. Their struggles at the plate were emblematic of the pitching dominance displayed by the Dodgers. Unable to mount any significant threat against Flaherty and the Dodgers’ relievers, the Mets now face a tough challenge heading into Game 2.
The Dodgers will aim to continue their momentum in Game 2, which is set for Monday afternoon at Dodger Stadium. With a 1-0 series lead and history on their side, Los Angeles is in a strong position, while the Mets will be looking to bounce back and even the series.
For the Dodgers, the victory not only represents a strong start to their NLCS campaign but also a significant milestone as they tied a historic postseason record. With their pitching staff performing at a historic level and their offense firing on all cylinders, the Dodgers appear well-positioned to advance in their quest for another World Series title.
