The Los Angeles Dodgers entered Game 1 of the National League Division Series ready to make some noise. They just won a near-miss game series win over the San Diego Padres and had a fire in their eyes to make a statement early on. This time, the opponent was the New York Mets, a team they faced 36 years ago at this stage. Back then, the L.A. team had edged the Big Apple 4-3 and claimed the World Series title.

But while the Blue Crew were ready to repeat the history of 1988, the Metsies too were chasing their first championship since 1986. However, this time, the Dodgers delivered a masterclass game, crushing the New York Mets 9-0 without even needing a home run. Their offense was on fire, and their defense was impenetrable. Not a single Mets player crossed the home plate, and Shohei Ohtani, who we know has humble as his second name, credited his team for the win.

Shohei Ohtani applauds his team for the win

In the eighth inning of the game, the excitement was palpable. Mookie Betts stepped on with the bases loaded—Enrique Hernandez was on third, Kevin Kiermaier on second, and Shohei Ohtani was on the first. Then, Betts hit a base-clearing double, bringing the score to 9-0 and securing the win for the Dodgers. After the game, Ohtani shared his thoughts on his team’s performance and this crucial win. The Japanese icon also highlighted how team effort and scoring early was the key to their triumph over the Mets.

Elaborating further, Shohei Ohtani said, “I’m just really lucky. The team has been providing me with plenty of chances to hit with runners in scoring position, and I’m grateful for that.” Ohtani, though humble, delivered a stellar performance himself, going 2-for-4, driving in one run, and scoring twice. Moreover, his big moment came in the second inning, when he hit an RBI single to right field, moving their team’s lead to 3–0 and knocking Kodai Senga out of the game.

The Japanese star added how everybody on the team has been doing their jobs and even mentioned the pitching staff for their efforts—especially Jack Flaherty. And Shohei Ohtani isn’t wrong; Flaherty did play a role in helping the Los Angeles Dodgers win this critical game.

Dodgers pitching staff creates magic

Los Angeles Dodgers’ success in the postseason has been riding on their stellar pitching. Surprisingly, they haven’t allowed a single run since Game 2 of their National League Division, facing the San Diego Padres. In Game 1 against the New York Mets, they continued this streak, with Jack Flaherty leading the charge for the first game of the National League Championship Series. In seven innings, he gave up only two hits and two walks, striking out six batters. So, Ohtani’s comment is completely justified.

Moreover, Relief pitchers Daniel Hudson and Ben Casparis, who came in from the bullpen, also stepped up to their best form. They helped maintain the Dodgers’s impressive no-run streak. In contrast, the New York starter Kodai Senga struggled immensely and waffled after just 1⅓ innings. He gave away three early runs early on and walked four batters, putting his team in a disadvantage position. The Mets wanted to stop the bleeding and used four relievers, but only Danny Young could manage the job decently, surrendering no runs.

For the Dodgers, this game was a statement and a promise of them hopefully repeating their 2020 World Series win. With the series just getting started, the Mets, need to find a quick solution, considering they will meet again for Game 2 at Dodger Stadium on Monday. Who are you placing your bets on? Share your take in the comments below.