Mon Oct 14 20:42:54 UTC 2024: ## Dodgers Dominate Mets in NLCS Opener, Flaherty Shines in Hometown Return
LOS ANGELES – The Los Angeles Dodgers opened the National League Championship Series with a resounding 9-0 victory over the New York Mets on Sunday night, extending their postseason scoreless streak to 33 innings. The feat ties the MLB record, set by the Baltimore Orioles in the 1966 World Series.
The hero of the night was starting pitcher Jack Flaherty, who returned to his hometown after being traded from Detroit in July. Flaherty pitched seven scoreless innings, allowing just two hits and striking out six batters.
“He was getting ahead with his fastball and then the slider, the breaking ball, the slow curve kept us off-balance,” Mets manager Carlos Mendoza said of Flaherty’s dominant performance.
The Dodgers offense also showed their strength, chasing Mets starter Kodai Senga after just 1 1/3 innings. Senga struggled with his command, walking four batters in the first inning alone.
Shohei Ohtani continued his impressive postseason with a 2-for-4 performance, including an RBI single. Mookie Betts added a three-run double in the eighth inning, solidifying the largest shutout victory margin in Dodgers postseason history.
“Our energy all started with Jack,” Betts said. “Jack really gave it to us today.”
With the win, the Dodgers take a 1-0 lead in the best-of-seven series. Game 2 will be played on Monday afternoon, with Mets lefty Sean Manaea facing a Dodgers bullpen game.
First Piper 