Dodgers display late power, blank Mets for 2-1 NLCS edge
NEW YORK — Enrique Hernandez and Shohei Ohtani hit multi-run homers to provide the Los Angeles Dodgers insurance in an 8-0 win over the New York Mets on Wednesday in Game 3 of the National League Championship Series.
Hernandez belted a two-run shot in the sixth inning and Ohtani added a majestic three-run blast in the eighth for the Dodgers, who lead the best-of-seven series 2-1. Game 4 is scheduled for Thursday night in New York.
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The Dodgers hit just one ball into the outfield — a sacrifice fly — while scoring two runs off Luis Severino (1-1) in the second inning. Los Angeles left five runners on base over the next three innings before mounting a two-out rally against Reed Garrett in the sixth.
Tommy Edman singled and went to second on a balk before Hernandez homered just beyond the reach of a leaping Brandon Nimmo in left field. The homer was the second this postseason for Hernandez and his 15th in 78 playoff games. He is tied for 10th (with Mickey Mantle, Reggie Jackson, Nelson Cruz and Carlos Correa) on the all-time playoff homer list.
Hernandez averages one homer every 13.2 at-bats in the playoffs but just one per 29.1 at-bats in the regular season.
Max Muncy reached five times via a single, a ninth-inning homer and three walks. He also scored the Dodgers’ first run on an infield single by Will Smith in the second inning. Edman followed with a sacrifice fly.
Michael Kopech (1-0), the second of the Dodgers’ five pitchers, earned the win with a perfect fifth inning after relieving Walker Buehler, who gave up three hits and walked two while striking out six over four innings.
The Mets recorded just four hits, all singles, and were 0-for-4 with runners in scoring position.
