Dodgers trounce Mets again in NLCS Game 4, one win away from World Series return. The Los Angeles Dodgers showcased their dominance over the New York Mets at Citi Field, securing a decisive 10-2 victory for the second night in a row. This win puts L.A. ahead 3-1 in the series, positioning them to clinch a World Series berth as early as Friday’s Game 5, set for 5 p.m. ET on FS1 and the FOX Sports App.
Shohei Ohtani ignited the game by homering against Jose Quintana right out of the gate. The likely 2024 National League MVP took the first pitch for a ball, then launched a sinker 422 feet into the Mets’ bullpen in right-center field, marking his third homer of the postseason.
Before this game, Ohtani had struggled, going 0 for 22 in the postseason when batting with no runners on base. However, he shined when it mattered most, boasting a remarkable 7 for 9 record with two homers and eight RBIs when runners were aboard.
This leadoff homer marked the seventh in Dodgers postseason history and was a first for Ohtani. His 117.8 mph blast ranks as the third-hardest-hit postseason home run since Statcast began tracking in 2015, following Kyle Schwarber and Giancarlo Stanton.
Interestingly, Quintana had not allowed a home run in his previous eight starts, making Ohtani’s power display even more striking.
Mets shortstop Francisco Lindor, who hit a leadoff homer in Game 2 at Dodger Stadium, was unable to replicate Ohtani’s success in the bottom of the first inning, grounding out instead.
However, Mark Vientos quickly answered for New York, connecting with Yoshinobu Yamamoto for his fourth homer of the playoffs, tying the game at 1.
The Dodgers responded in the top of the third, reclaiming the lead with singles from Tommy Edman and Kiké Hernandez. Despite a bases-loaded jam, Yamamoto managed to escape unscathed, although the Mets did manage to score when Brandon Nimmo beat out an inning-ending double play, a call that was overturned after a challenge from Mets manager Carlos Mendoza.
Mookie Betts then stepped up, delivering a standout performance by smashing a two-run double in the fifth and a two-run homer in the seventh, both times following Ohtani’s walks. Ohtani drew three consecutive walks after his homer and crossed home plate each time.
In a remarkable individual feat, Dodgers first baseman Max Muncy became the first player to reach base in 12 consecutive plate appearances during a single postseason.
Muncy achieved this streak with a single and three walks in his first four plate appearances in Game 4. His impressive run ended with a strikeout against Danny Young in the eighth inning.
This streak included two singles, two homers, and eight walks, showcasing his ability to get on base consistently.
