Dodgers' Dominant 9-0 Win in NLCS Game 1

LOS ANGELES  —After dedicating the initial seven years of his major league career to teams in the Eastern United States, Jack Flaherty returned to his roots. He became a member of the victorious Los Angeles Dodgers and contributed to a notable moment in playoff history. Flaherty collaborated on a three-hitter, and the Dodgers' pitching staff equaled the postseason record of 33 consecutive scoreless innings by defeating the New York Mets 9-0 in the opening game of the National League Championship Series. “I saw some family out there when I was warming up, and I had attended games here with them before, so it helped me relax a bit,” he remarked. “I felt I had tried to do too much in my previous appearances during significant games. This allowed me to be myself, go out and pitch, and trust my abilities and the support of my teammates.” The Dodgers capitalized on a struggling Kodai Senga in the second inning, establishing a six-run advantage by the fourth, thereby matching the scoreless record set by Baltimore Orioles pitchers during the first four games of the 1966 World Series against the Dodgers. Amid chants of “MVP! MVP!” Shohei Ohtani recorded two hits, a walk, scored two runs, and drove in another. Mookie Betts contributed a three-run double in the eighth inning, marking the largest shutout victory margin in Dodgers postseason history, while also representing the Mets' most lopsided postseason shutout loss. “Our energy all started with Jack,” Betts stated. “Jack really fueled us today.” Game 2 of the best-of-seven series is scheduled for Monday afternoon. Flaherty permitted only two hits over seven innings, marking the Dodgers' first scoreless postseason start of seven or more innings since Clayton Kershaw's eight innings in the 2020 NL Wild Card Series. “It was just a pitching clinic,” remarked Dodgers manager Dave Roberts. “I thought he did an excellent job of filling the strike zone with his complete repertoire. Once we established a lead, he effectively attacked the hitters. Securing seven innings in a lengthy series was crucial for us.”

Flaherty exited to a standing ovation from the sold-out audience of 53,503. The 28-year-old right-handed pitcher from Burbank, who returned home from Detroit at the trade deadline on July 30, has provided stability in a rotation significantly affected by injuries. “He possesses a certain aura,” remarked Dodgers catcher Will Smith. “He is extremely competitive and highly focused.” Following the game, Flaherty received a hug from Manager Roberts and then embraced his mother, who was seated behind home plate. Additionally, some of his childhood friends from Little League in the San Fernando Valley were present. “Playing this game is incredibly enjoyable, and I have been fortunate to do it since childhood,” Flaherty stated. “Despite the high-pressure situations, I remind my teammates that it should be fun. We must not forget that at times.” Flaherty retired the first nine batters he faced, extending the Dodgers' streak of consecutive hitters retired to 28, before issuing a walk to Francisco Lindor to start the fourth inning. New York's only hits against him were two singles by Jesse Winker and Jose Iglesias in the fifth inning. Flaherty recorded six strikeouts. “He established himself early with his fastball, and then his slider, breaking ball, and slow curve kept us off-balance. He was effective in getting ahead and making quality pitches,” said rookie Mets manager Carlos Mendoza. “He attempted to induce us to chase, which we did during the first time through the lineup. After that, he was simply on point.” Daniel Hudson and Ben Casparius each pitched an inning. Lindor finished 0 for 3 with a walk and a strikeout, while Pete Alonso was hitless in three at-bats, also recording a walk and a strikeout. The Dodgers staged a comeback from the brink of elimination against San Diego, winning the NL Division Series in five games, with shutouts in the final two contests. They commenced their quest for a record 25th NL pennant by pursuing Senga after just 1 1/3 innings in his third start of a season marred by injuries. The Japanese right-hander walked four of his first eight batters, including three consecutively in a 14-pitch sequence during the first inning. “He was not at his best,” Mendoza commented. “He struggled.”

The next game between the Dodgers and Mets in the 2024 NLCS is Game 3, scheduled for Wednesday, October 16, 2024, at 8:08 PM ET. This game will take place at Citi Field in New York. If necessary, Game 4 will follow on Thursday, October 17, and a potential Game 5 on Friday, October 18

The starting lineups for Game 2 of the NLCS between the Dodgers and Mets, taking place today (October 14, 2024), are as follows:

Mets:

1. Francisco Lindor - SS

2. Mark Vientos - 3B

3. Brandon Nimmo - LF

4. Pete Alonso - 1B

5. Starling Marte - RF

6. Jesse Winker - DH

7. Jose Iglesias - 2B

8. Tyrone Taylor - CF

9. Francisco Alvarez - C

Dodgers:

1. Shohei Ohtani - DH

2. Mookie Betts - RF

3. Freddie Freeman - 1B

4. Teoscar Hernández - LF

5. Will Smith - C

6. Max Muncy - 3B

7. Kiké Hernández - 2B

8. Tommy Edman - SS

9. Andy Pages - CF

For pitching, the Mets will rely on Sean Manaea, while the Dodgers are opting for a bullpen game