By the time Shohei Ohtani stepped to the plate in the eighth inning Wednesday night, the Los Angeles Dodgers had already secured a commanding grip on Game 3 of the National League Championship Series. With a towering three-run homer, Ohtani sealed an 8-0 rout against the New York Mets, giving the Dodgers a 2-1 lead in the best-of-seven series. The win came as a crucial bounce-back after a disappointing loss at home in Game 2.
The Dodgers’ offensive fireworks started with Kiké Hernández, who launched a two-run shot in the sixth inning, extending the Dodgers’ lead to 4-0. The homer marked Hernández’s 15th career postseason blast, and he made sure to acknowledge the subdued Citi Field crowd with a wave as he rounded the bases. His clutch hit provided a significant cushion, but Ohtani’s eighth-inning drive put the game out of reach.
Ohtani’s homer, a 410-foot moonshot that soared into the second deck in right field, left no doubt about the game’s outcome. As the ball barely stayed fair above the foul pole, Ohtani lingered at the plate, savoring the moment. His homer punctuated a night where the Dodgers dominated in all facets, silencing a Mets team that struggled to generate any offense.
Los Angeles showcased their pitching prowess, recording their fourth shutout in their last five playoff games. The pitching staff stifled the Mets’ lineup, keeping them scoreless and off-balance throughout the night. With their arms in command and timely hits providing support, the Dodgers’ performance underscored their determination to advance to the World Series.
Max Muncy added another exclamation point in the ninth inning with a solo home run, his 13th career postseason homer. The blast tied him with Dodgers legends Corey Seager and Justin Turner for the franchise record in playoff home runs, further cementing his reputation as a key contributor in October. Muncy’s home run followed his earlier contribution in Game 2, making him one of the most consistent power threats in the Dodgers’ lineup.
As the series shifts to Game 4 on Thursday night, the Dodgers will send rookie phenom Yoshinobu Yamamoto to the mound. The $325 million acquisition has shown flashes of brilliance this season, and Los Angeles hopes he can deliver another strong performance in a pivotal game. The Mets, facing elimination, will counter with veteran left-hander Jose Quintana, who aims to keep his team’s championship hopes alive.
With the Dodgers riding the momentum of their Game 3 blowout and Ohtani’s heroics, they find themselves in prime position to take control of the series. For the Mets, Game 4 represents a chance to respond and even the score in front of their home crowd, while Los Angeles eyes a 3-1 series lead and a chance to inch closer to the World Series.
