Los Angeles Dodgers They beat the 9-0 New York Mets in the first game of the National League championship series, with the Japanese Shohei Ohtani connecting two hits and driving in a run.
Ohtani, 30 years old and candidate for Most Valuable Player of the 2024 season, finished the game with two hits for the first time since October 5 in the 7-on-5 victory over the San Diego Padres.
“I’m very lucky because the team has given me a lot of opportunities,” Ohtani said. “We are all doing our jobs and scoring early is key, the relief team is also doing a great job.”
Mookie Betts He drove in three runs in the top of the eighth inning with a drive to left field with the bases loaded.
The Japanese Kodai Songa he pitched 1.1 innings for the Mets allowing four walks and three runs. In the two postseason outings, the 31-year-old pitcher has a 10.80 earned run average.
Jack Flaherty He had a stellar outing for the Dodgers, pitching seven complete innings, striking out six and allowing two hits.
“I trusted my shots, we had a good plan,” Flaherty said. “You’ve got to go out there and think about it one hitter at a time. I think we’ve done a good job.”
Flaherty, 28, was born in Burbank, California, and grew up attending Dodgers Stadium as a fan.
Puerto Rican Francisco Lindor, who has become the Mets’ benchmark, went hitless after three opportunities at bat while Cuban José Iglesias has hit in four of the last five games.
The Dodgers tied the 1905 record of the New York Giants with 33 consecutive innings without allowing runs.
The second game of this series will be played this Monday. The Mets have confirmed left-hander Sean Manaea as the starter, in their third game of the postseason.
