Ohtani’s Homer Seals Dodgers’ 8-0 Victory Over Mets in NLCS Game 3

Shohei Ohtani’s eighth-inning three-run homer was the final blow in the Los Angeles Dodgers’ dominant 8-0 win over the New York Mets in Game 3 of the National League Championship Series. With the victory, the Dodgers took a 2-1 lead in the best-of-seven series, further solidifying their postseason momentum.

The Dodgers were already in control when Ohtani launched a 410-foot homer into the second deck of Citi Field, a hit that left no doubt about the game’s outcome. Kiké Hernández added to the offensive onslaught with a two-run shot in the sixth inning, his 15th career postseason home run, while Max Muncy capped the scoring with a solo homer in the ninth, tying the franchise postseason record with his 13th career home run.

Los Angeles’ pitching was equally impressive, as Walker Buehler and four relievers combined for a four-hit shutout, marking the Dodgers’ fourth shutout in their last five playoff games. Buehler, who has had an injury-plagued season, showed his postseason mettle by striking out six over four innings. His biggest moment came in the second inning when he struck out Francisco Lindor to escape a bases-loaded jam, a pitch Dodgers manager Dave Roberts called the “pitch of the game.”

“Walker is a different animal in the postseason,” Muncy said. “He was exactly what we needed tonight.”

Dodgers relievers continued the dominance, with Michael Kopech earning the win after a hitless fifth inning, while the bullpen tallied a total of 13 strikeouts.

On the Mets’ side, Luis Severino took the loss despite not allowing an earned run. He struggled with control, walking four batters over 4 2/3 innings and allowing two runs due to defensive mishaps. Mets manager Carlos Mendoza expressed frustration at the team’s inability to deliver in key moments, despite creating scoring opportunities early in the game.

Ohtani, who entered the postseason batting just .222, has shown his clutch hitting prowess with runners in scoring position. His home run Wednesday was his second of the postseason, a much-needed confidence booster for the $700 million star.

Game 4 is set for Thursday, with Dodgers rookie Yoshinobu Yamamoto set to face Mets veteran Jose Quintana as Los Angeles looks to extend their series lead.

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