Dodgers vs. Mets: Los Angeles takes a 2-1 lead in the NLCS after a Game 3 shutout

NEW YORK – Shohei Ohtani hit a three-run home run for the Los Angeles Dodgers, capping their 8-0 victory over the New York Mets in Game 3 of the National League Championship Series on Wednesday night.

Kiké Hernández hit a two-run pitch in the sixth inning to make it 4-0 and waved to the Citi Field crowd, which he silenced. Los Angeles rebounded from a home loss to take a 2-1 lead in the best-of-seven series by posting its fourth shutout in its last five playoff games.

Ohtani scored in the eighth, a 410-foot drive that rocketed into the second deck in right field and stayed just above the foul pole.

Max Muncy hit his 13th postseason home run in the ninth, tying Corey Seager and Justin Turner for the franchise record. Muncy also scored in Game 2.

A pumped-up Walker Buehler struck out Francisco Lindor, leaving the bases loaded, and the Dodgers pitched five tight innings from their hard-throwing bullpen. Buehler combined for a four-hitter with four relievers.

Game 4 is Thursday night in Queens. $325 million rookie Yoshinobu Yamamoto is scheduled to face veteran left-hander Jose Quintana in Los Angeles.

Los Angeles is now just two wins away from returning to the World Series for the fourth time in less than a decade under manager Dave Roberts.

The New York Yankees now lead the Cleveland Guardians 2-0 in the American League Championship Series. They play Game 3 on Thursday afternoon.