LOS ANGELES (AP) — After spending his first seven years in the major leagues back East, Jack Flaherty returned home to join the Los Angeles Dodgers, a team that is on a winning streak and making playoff history.
Flaherty played a key role in a dominant performance, contributing to a combined three-hit shutout and helping Dodgers pitchers equal the postseason record of 33 consecutive scoreless innings as they defeated the New York Mets 9-0 in the opening game of the NL Championship Series.
“Seeing some family while warming up brought a sense of relaxation,” Flaherty noted. “In recent big games, I felt I was trying too hard. This time, I allowed myself to just pitch and trust in my abilities and the support from my teammates.”
Los Angeles took control early, knocking out wild pitcher Kodai Senga in the second inning and building a six-run lead by the fourth. This performance mirrored the Orioles’ record for scoreless innings from the 1966 World Series against the Dodgers.
Backed by chants of “MVP! MVP!”, Shohei Ohtani had a notable night, going 2 for 4 with a walk, scoring two runs, and adding one RBI.
Mookie Betts contributed significantly to the victory with a three-run double in the eighth inning, marking the largest shutout win in Dodgers postseason history and the most lopsided shutout loss for the Mets.
“Our energy started with Jack,” Betts said, praising Flaherty’s performance. “He really set the tone for us today.”
Flaherty, who allowed just two hits over seven innings, achieved the Dodgers’ first scoreless postseason start of seven or more innings since Clayton Kershaw’s eight-inning outing in the 2020 NL Wild Card Series.
“It was a pitching clinic,” said Dodgers manager Dave Roberts. “Jack filled the strike zone consistently with his full mix of pitches. Once we built a lead, he attacked the hitters, which was crucial for us in a lengthy series.”
As Flaherty left the mound to a standing ovation from the sold-out crowd of 53,503, his 28-year-old right-hander’s return from Detroit at the trade deadline has provided stability to a Dodgers rotation dealing with injuries.
“He has a certain presence,” commented Dodgers catcher Will Smith. “He’s incredibly competitive and focused.”
After the game, Flaherty shared warm moments with his mother, seated behind home plate, and greeted friends from his Little League days.
“Playing this game has always been fun for me. Despite the pressure, I remind my teammates that it’s important to enjoy it,” Flaherty said with a smile.
Flaherty quickly demonstrated his dominance by retiring his first nine batters, extending the Dodgers’ streak of retired hitters to 28. The only hits the Mets managed off him were two singles by Jesse Winker and Jose Iglesias in the fifth inning, accompanied by six strikeouts for Flaherty.
“He was effective by getting ahead with his fastball and keeping us off-balance with his slider, breaking ball, and slow curve,” noted rookie Mets manager Carlos Mendoza. “We struggled to adapt to him, especially early in the game.”
Daniel Hudson and Ben Casparius provided solid relief, each pitching one inning.
Mets players were unable to get on the board, with Francisco Lindor finishing 0 for 3 and Pete Alonso going hitless in three at-bats, managing only a walk and a strikeout.
The Dodgers successfully overcame elimination in their previous series against the San Diego Padres, winning that series in five games and finishing with two shutouts.
They opened this series aiming for a record 25th NL pennant by overpowering Senga after just 1 1/3 innings on the mound. Struggling to find his rhythm, Senga issued four walks to the first eight batters he faced, including three consecutive walks during a taxing 14-pitch first inning.
“He was off his game,” Mendoza remarked. “He lacked his usual fastball life, and many of his pitches were clearly not competitive.”
Senga loaded the bases in the first inning before Max Muncy’s single allowed Betts and an injured Freddie Freeman—who had to protect his sprained ankle— to score. Freeman, who staggered after crossing home plate, was supported by Betts.
Ohtani added an RBI single to knock Senga out in the second inning, and the Dodgers built on their lead with additional runs in the fourth off reliever David Peterson, with Tommy Edman and Freeman each contributing an RBI single.
UP NEXT
The Mets are set to start Sean Manaea in Game 2, coming off a win in Game 3 of the NL Division Series against Philadelphia. This will mark the first time the Dodgers face a left-handed starter this postseason. The Dodgers have yet to announce their starting pitcher for a bullpen game.
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