The Los Angeles Dodgers are experiencing bittersweet moments, because after advancing to the National League Championship Series after beating the San Diego Padres, they announced that pitcher Gavin Stone underwent surgery due to an injury before facing the New York Mets.
This means that he will be out of the team for the remainder of the postseason in this 2024 Major League Baseball playoff run for the team and, according to reports, he will also be out the entire 2025 season.
The Dodgers announced the status of the pitcher through its social networks, where they indicated that the right-handed player underwent surgery on his right shoulder on October 9.
Another star pitcher that won’t see action
This loss in their pitching staff has another one was confirmed after Clayton Kershaw will also be in the dugout for good. He will also not be able to have a single moment on the mound in this postseason.
Victory formation! #NLCS pic.twitter.com/6oDjeSQa7m
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) October 14, 2024
Kershaw continues his recovery from a toe ailment that prevents him from displaying his best level on the mound with the Los Angeles franchise on their quest for another Major League Baseball championship.
The Dodgers will face the New York Mets in the National League Championship Series to try and capture a ticket to the World Series, where Los Angeles will seek their second title in four years. The Mets have not been crown champions since 1986.
As the Dodgers kicked off their National League Championship Series (NLCS) against the Mets, expectations were high, especially with the formidable lineup they’ve built around their stars. In front of a roaring Dodger Stadium crowd, the home team didn’t disappoint, delivering a commanding 9-0 victory to take the early lead in the series.
Fans were treated to a display of both offensive power and defensive brilliance, and while the Dodgers were firing on all cylinders, it was their pitching that set the tone early. Jack Flaherty, taking the mound in Game 1, was masterful, retiring the first nine batters he faced. The Dodgers’ defense, known for its discipline and precision, backed him up seamlessly, as Los Angeles extended their postseason scoreless streak to an impressive 33 innings.
But amidst all the star power, it was Shohei Ohtani, once again, who captured the hearts of Dodger fans. Known for his ability to electrify a crowd, the Japanese sensation played a pivotal role in the offensive explosion. After the game, Ohtani remained humble, deflecting praise to his teammates. “I’m just really lucky. The team has been providing a lot of opportunities for me to hit with runners in scoring position, and I’m grateful for that,”Ohtani said through his translator. His words reflected a modesty that’s become synonymous with his style of play, despite his ability to deliver on the biggest stages.
Ohtani’s impact was felt early in the game. In the second inning, with the Dodgers already holding a 2-0 lead, he stepped up to the plate and ripped a sharp single to right field, driving in Gavin Lux and extending the Dodgers’ advantage. The hit sent the Dodger Stadium crowd into a frenzy, with chants of “MVP” filling the air as Ohtani reached first base. It was just the beginning of a night where everything seemed to fall into place for the home team.
Meanwhile, Mets starting pitcher Kodai Senga struggled from the outset. After a promising start by retiring Ohtani in the first inning, things quickly unraveled. Three consecutive walks loaded the bases, and Max Muncy’s single drove in the first two runs of the game. The Mets never recovered, as Senga’s inability to locate his pitches led to an early exit after just four outs.
Dodgers deliver all-around masterclass, Ohtani and Betts shine in 9-0 rout
The Dodgers didn’t let up, putting together a complete performance across all aspects of the game. In the fourth inning, Ohtani added another hit, this time a drive to center field that was initially ruled a double but later changed to a single after a throwing error allowed Tommy Edman to score. By the time Ohtani crossed the plate on a Freddy Freeman bloop single, the Dodgers had built a commanding 6-0 lead.
While Ohtani and the offense were making headlines, Flaherty continued his dominance on the mound. Despite allowing a few base runners, the Dodgers’ defense remained airtight. One of the key moments came in the fifth inning, when Mets designated hitter Jesse Winker tried to stretch a single into a double, only to be gunned down by Mookie Betts’ laser throw from right field.
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