MLB: Dodgers beat the Mets in Game 1 of the National League Championship Series

The Los Angeles Dodgers beat the New York Mets 9x0 in the first game of the National League championship series. Japanese superstar Shohei Ohtani, who was caught trying to steal a base for the first time since 2022, shined by connecting for two hits and driving in a run.

Ohtani, 30 and Most Valuable Player candidate for the 2024 season, finished the game with two hits for the first time since Oct. 5 in a 7x5 victory over the San Diego Padres. "I'm very lucky because the team has given me a lot of opportunities," Ohtani said. "We're all doing our jobs and scoring early is key, the reliever is doing a great job as well."

Flaherty struck out six Mets batters

Standing out alongside him was Jack Flaherty, who pitched seven complete innings, in which he struck out six and allowed two hits. "I trusted my pitches, we had a good plan," Flaherty said. "You have to go out there and think one batter at a time. I think we did a good job." In addition, Mookie Betts drove in three runs in the top of the eighth inning with a hit to left field with the bases loaded.

Japan's Kodai Songa pitched 1.1 innings for the Mets allowing four walks and three runs. In two postseason starts, the 31-year-old pitcher has a 10.80 earned-run average.

Puerto Rican Francisco Lindor, who has become the Mets' benchmark, went hitless after three at-bats while Cuban Jose Iglesias has connected on hits in four of the last five games.

Dodgers match Giants' record of 33 consecutive innings without allowing runs

With this result, the Dodgers equaled the 1905 record of the New York Giants with 33 consecutive 'innings' without allowing runs.

The second game of this series will be played this Monday. The Mets have confirmed left-hander Sean Manaea as the starter, in their third meeting of the postseason.