Dodgers Dominate Mets in Game 3 of NLCS, Eyeing World Series Berth

NEW YORK — The New York Mets faced a challenging setback at Citi Field as the Los Angeles Dodgers overpowered them in Game 3 of the National League Championship Series (NLCS). The Dodgers secured a decisive victory with a series of three home runs, including a formidable strike from Shohei Ohtani. This defeat marked the second time in the championship series that the Mets were shut out.

The Mets are now turning their focus to Game 4, scheduled to begin at 8:08 p.m. EST on Thursday at Citi Field, in hopes of leveling the series. The Dodgers currently lead the best-of-seven series 2-1, with the potential to expand their advantage before returning to Los Angeles.

“Stay the course. Continue to compete,” Mets shortstop Francisco Lindor urged after the loss. “Come back tomorrow and give everything you have. They’re a really good team. They have a really good pitching staff and good hitters. You have to give them everything you have, otherwise you’re not going to win.”

The Mets have reason for optimism as pitcher Jose Quintana takes the mound for Game 4. Quintana has displayed exceptional form during this postseason, delivering six scoreless innings in a pivotal win against the Milwaukee Brewers in the Wild Card round and conceding just one unearned run in five innings in the NLDS against the Philadelphia Phillies.

Meanwhile, the Dodgers remain confident, orchestrated by manager Dave Roberts, who has led the team to a robust series performance. Yoshinobu Yamamoto, the Dodgers pitcher, showed resilience after allowing five earned runs in his postseason debut against the San Diego Padres. He responded with a strong performance, helping to clinch the series in Game 5 against them. However, Yamamoto’s earlier matchup against the Mets saw him struck for four runs over six innings.

The Dodgers quickly asserted dominance in Game 4, with Shohei Ohtani hitting a 422-foot home run off Quintana on his second pitch. Quintana had previously held a spotless postseason record until this round.

Mark Vientos offered Mets supporters a brief moment of excitement as he matched Ohtani’s effort with a home run over the right-field wall in the first inning, tying the game at 1-1. However, Tommy Edman and Kike Hernandez proved challenging for the Mets. Edman delivered an RBI double, while Hernandez’s RBI infield single expanded the Dodgers’ lead to 3-1.

As the series progresses, it is imperative for the Mets to capitalize on their home advantage and contain the formidable Dodgers lineup, featuring stars like Ohtani and Mookie Betts. The outcome of Game 4 could pivotally determine the Mets’ fate in the championship series.