Los Angeles Dodgers Defeat New York Mets to Take 3-1 Lead in NLCS

In a pivotal Game 4 of the National League Championship Series, the Los Angeles Dodgers secured a commanding 3-1 series lead over the New York Mets with a decisive 10-2 victory at Citi Field in Queens, New York. The game, played on October 18, 2024, was attended by 43,882 spectators and lasted 3 hours and 39 minutes.

The Dodgers took an early lead, with Shohei Ohtani hitting a home run to right center field in the first inning. The Mets’ Mark Vientos responded with a solo home run to tie the game momentarily. However, the Dodgers reclaimed the lead in the third inning when Tommy Edman hit a double to left field, allowing Ohtani to score. The inning continued with Mookie Betts advancing Edman to third before reaching home himself after a single by E. Hernández.

L.A.’s offensive momentum continued into the fourth inning. Betts delivered a double to left field, driving in both Ohtani and Chris Taylor, extending the Dodgers’ lead to 5-2. In the sixth inning, Betts further added to his outstanding performance with a two-run homer to left field, once again bringing Ohtani across the plate.

The eighth inning saw Edman seize the opportunity, hitting another double to left field, which enabled Kiermaier and Betts to score. Will Smith capped the inning with a single to center, bringing Edman home and further solidifying the Dodgers’ dominance.

On the pitching front, the Dodgers showcased a robust performance, with their starter earning the win after pitching over four innings and allowing two earned runs. The bullpen kept the Mets at bay for the remainder of the game. The Dodgers’ defense held firm, with the Mets struggling to overcome the deficit after their initial response.

For the Mets, the evening was less successful. Their starting pitcher, who took the loss, struggled to last beyond three innings, conceding five earned runs. Despite initial hope through Vientos’ early home run, the team could not secure additional momentum as the Dodgers’ lead stretched beyond reach.