Mets abruptly end Dodgers’ record streak

LOS ANGELES, Calif. – The Los Angeles Dodgers matched the all-time MLB record for consecutive shutout innings in the postseason at 33 but failed to surpass the mark previously set by the 1966 Orioles.

New York crushed all the momentum the Dodgers’ pitching staff had built with an offensive explosion early in Game 2 of the National League Championship Series (NLCS).

Francisco Lindor snapped the streak by taking Ryan Brasier deep to lead off Game 2. Lindor has been the spark plug for the Mets this postseason, and his home run brought his RBI count to seven in the playoffs.

In the following inning, New York scored five more runs, including a two-out grand slam by Mark Vientos. It was still an impressive accomplishment from the Dodgers, which helped them build a 1-0 series lead against the Mets and advance against their NL West foe, the San Diego Padres.

Rookie Ben Casparius pitched the last inning of the scoreless streak, finishing game 1 with a one-two-three inning.

“I found out after the game. I am honestly glad it was after the game, and it wasn’t prior to it,” said Casparius.

While Jack Flaherty, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, and the relief pitchers deserve a lot of credit for the achievement, the man behind the plate also played a big role in their success.

“I think that is an underrated part of what Will (Smith) has done this year, honestly,” said Daniel Hudson. “To have that many bodies come in and contribute to a team that won 98 ball games, it takes a big contribution from the catchers being able to navigate everybody’s strengths, knowing what everybody does well throughout a ball game, especially with how many relievers come into the game these days. Will has done a tremendous job. This scoreless streak has a lot to do with him as well.”

The bullpen was trending towards being the catalyst that could carry the Dodgers to the World Series. The deadly trio of Blake Treinen, Evan Phillips, and Michael Kopech has yet to appear in the NLCS, which is a positive as they are all well-rested heading into the trip to New York.

Still, the group will have to bounce back in a big way if they want to advance.

“It never feels good losing, but to have our high leverage guys ready to go for the next three games, I feel really good about that,” said Dave Roberts.

Walker Buehler will get the ball in Game 3. After a disappointing start to the season, he has strung together four straight strong appearances. Buehler is a big-game pitcher who plays with fiery emotion on the mound. He is the right man for the job when it comes to injecting some life back into the team.

Top Image Caption: LOS ANGELES, CA – OCTOBER 14: Pete Alonso #20 of the New York Mets dives into home plate to score in the ninth inning during Game 2 of the NLCS presented by loanDepot between the New York Mets and the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium on Monday, October 14, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Daniel Shirey/MLB Photos via Getty Images)