Dodgers’ Flaherty Leads Historic Shutout in NLCS Opener
LOS ANGELES – The Dodgers are on fire and making history in the process. In a stunning display of pitching prowess, Los Angeles extended its scoreless innings streak to 33, tying a postseason record set nearly 60 years ago.
The latest victim? The New York Mets found themselves on the wrong end of a 9-0 defeat in Game 1 of the National League Championship Series.
Jack Flaherty, the hometown hero, took center stage at Dodger Stadium. The L.A. native, who grew up cheering for the Boys in Blue, lived out a childhood dream by tossing seven shutout innings. Flaherty gave up just two hits and struck out six, silencing the Mets’ bats and electrifying the crowd.
“It was surreal,” Flaherty said after the game, his eyes gleaming excitedly. “I’ve sat in these stands many times as a kid, dreaming of this moment. To be out there pitching in a playoff game for the Dodgers? It’s beyond words.”
Flaherty’s performance was more than just a feel-good story. It was a crucial part of the Dodgers’ ongoing dominance. The team has pitched 33 straight scoreless innings in the playoffs, matching the record set by the 1966 Baltimore Orioles. They’ve also become the third team in MLB history to record three consecutive postseason shutouts.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts couldn’t hide his enthusiasm. “Our pitchers are in a zone right now,” he said, grinning from ear to ear. “They’re attacking hitters, hitting their spots, and making big pitches when it counts. It’s a joy to watch.”
The Dodgers’ offense did its part, too, putting up nine runs without the benefit of a single home run. They used small ball tactics, including two sacrifice bunts, to keep the pressure on the Mets’ pitchers all night.
For the Mets, it was a night to forget. The 9-0 loss marked their worst defeat in postseason history, coming in the franchise’s 100th playoff game. Mets manager Buck Showalter tried to stay positive, saying, “It’s just one game. We’ll regroup and come out swinging tomorrow.”
But the night’s story was Flaherty and the Dodgers’ pitching staff. Their dominance has been so complete that for a brief moment, they flirted with perfection. When Flaherty walked Mets shortstop Francisco Lindor in the fourth inning, it snapped a streak of 28 straight batters retired by Dodgers pitchers, dating back to their previous series against the San Diego Padres.
The historic run continued in the ninth inning, thanks to rookie Ben Casparius. With just three major league appearances under his belt before the playoffs, the young reliever closed out the game and secured the record-tying shutout.
“I had no idea about the record,” Casparius admitted sheepishly. “I was just trying to get three outs. But to be part of history like this? It’s unbelievable.”
As impressive as the Dodgers’ performance was, players and coaches quickly emphasized that it was just one game. “We’ve got work to do,” Flaherty said, his tone turning serious. “It’s an excellent team over there. We’ll enjoy tonight but have a quick turnaround tomorrow.”
Indeed, with Game 2 scheduled for Monday afternoon, the Dodgers won’t have much time to savor their victory. Roberts announced that they’ll use a “bullpen game” strategy, relying on a series of relievers to try and extend their scoreless streak and take a commanding 2-0 series lead.
For now, though, Dodger Stadium is buzzing with excitement. The team is clicking on all cylinders, making history with every pitch. And for one night at least, a local kid lived out his dream on the biggest stage. As the lights dimmed over Chavez Ravine, one thing was clear: October magic is alive and well in Los Angeles.