Dodgers star pitcher returned to form in dominant 8-0 win vs. Mets

In Game 3 of the 2024 National League Championship Series, the Los Angeles Dodgers defeated the New York Mets 8-0 on Wednesday night, and starting pitcher Walker Buehler found his groove again.

During his four innings of work, Buehler was outstanding, giving up only three hits and striking out six Mets sluggers. He became the Dodgers’ most recent starter to overcome recent troubles on the mound in the playoffs, so this was a welcome change.

In particular, outside from his debut appearance, the 30-year-old just had his worst season since joining the major leagues. He made 16 starts for Los Angeles but finished a pitiful 1-6 with a 5.38 ERA. He put in a lot of work during L.A.’s 6-5 defeat to the San Diego Padres in Game 3 of the NLDS, demonstrating that his problems persisted into the postseason. In five innings on the mound, Buehler gave up a home run and a staggering six earned runs.

The Kentucky native talked candidly about wondering if he had what it took to keep pitching in the Major Leagues before these playoffs began. He had more than enough against New York on Wednesday, it’s reasonable to say. When going up to bat, the Dodgers’ sluggers had less to worry about thanks to his outstanding pitching, which also set up his bullpen to close out the game.

In order to get to the World Series, the Dodgers want to easily defeat the Mets in the remaining NLCS games. Buehler might return to the mound for a Game 6 or Game 7 if New York prolongs the series, particularly if Dodgers manager Dave Roberts decides not to use the bullpen again following their defeat in Game 2. He will enter his next appearance with a 3.25 ERA and 1.184 WHIP from his playoff career. The momentum