Dodgers Dominate Mets in MLB Playoffs, Lead Series 3-1

The Los Angeles Dodgers have taken a commanding 3-1 lead in the National Championship Series, inching closer to securing a place in the 2024 World Series. With a dominant performance at Citi Field on Thursday, the Dodgers defeated the New York Mets, highlighting their prowess with a decisive score that outstripped the Mets 30-9 over the course of the series.

The Dodgers have showcased remarkable offense, winning three games with impressive margins of nine, eight, and eight runs, respectively. The series included shutouts in Games 1 and 3, setting a formidable tone. A noteworthy contributor to the Dodgers’ success is their star player, Shohei Ohtani. He recorded a home run for the second consecutive game, following a six-game homer drought.

Today, the Mets will start left-hander David Peterson, who has been pivotal out of the bullpen throughout the postseason, holding a 2.08 ERA with a win and a save in four outings. This will mark Peterson’s first start in this playoff series, as he aims to prevent the Dodgers from clinching the series.

Pitching for the Dodgers is right-hander Jack Flaherty, who delivered a stellar performance in Game 1. Flaherty’s return to the mound signals a potential clincher for Los Angeles, should they secure the victory.

During Thursday’s game, Dodgers outfielder Andy Pages was a standout performer, hitting two home runs. His three-run homer in the fifth inning narrowed the Mets’ lead, demonstrating the Dodgers’ tenacity. On the Mets’ side, Pete Alonso provided critical early-game momentum with a three-run homer in the first inning, which proved essential as the Mets had been struggling to score consistently during the series.

In the third inning, the Mets extended their lead through a series of strategic plays, including a two-run double by Starling Marte and subsequent run-scoring hits by Francisco Alvarez, Francisco Lindor, and Brandon Nimmo.

The Dodgers, meanwhile, have been adapting to pitching challenges, as seen when Enrique Hernandez and Max Muncy worked the bases into a precarious situation for the Mets. However, the resolve of Mets pitcher Reid Garrett came through as he struck out Dodgers star Freddie Freeman to escape a problematic inning.

Game 5 is scheduled for Friday at 5:08 p.m. ET at Citi Field, where the Dodgers will have the opportunity to clinch the National Championship Series and secure their spot in the 2024 World Series with another victory over the Mets.