FINAL SCORE: Dodgers 3, Mets 1
Trailing 2-1 in the National League Division Series, the Los Angeles Dodgers answered the call to force a final game with a 3-1 victory over the New York Mets in Game 4 at Citi Field on Tuesday night.
The Dodgers took an early lead by scoring three runs in the third inning off Steven Matz. Adrian Gonzalez hit a bloop single that scored Enrique Hernandez from third, and Justin Turner later followed with a double down the left field line that scored Howie Kendrick and Gonzalez.
Daniel Murphy put the Mets on the board in the fourth with a solo home run off Clayton Kershaw. It was his second homer off the lefty in this series.
That, however, was the only blemish on Kershaw's line. He was dominant, allowing just three hits in seven innings while striking out eight batters. He didn't come out for the eighth, but the Dodgers bullpen was able to shut the door after some drama at the end of the eighth, when the Mets managed two baserunners.
Kershaw was finally able to get through a seventh inning in the postseason without having disaster strike. On three days' rest, he was pulled before the next inning, but he probably could have come out for one more.
Aside from the third, Matz did his job through five innings, allowing six hits while striking out four and walking two. The Mets bullpen, including starting pitcher Bartolo Colon, also did its job in holding the score at 3-1.
Now, it's all hands on deck for Game 5. Both teams will feature their best pitcher in what could be their final game of the year. Jacob deGrom, the winner of Game 1, will start for the Mets, while Zack Greinke, who won Game 2, will start for the Dodgers. Both bullpens will be ready to go at any point in the game with almost all pitchers available.
The momentum seemingly will head back to Los Angeles with the Dodgers, who were able to string together some timely hits and hold New York's bats in check. Based on the starting pitching, Game 5 could come down to which team is able to play small ball and take advantage of any mistake the opposition makes.
The winner of Game 5 will move on to the National League Championship Series to face the Chicago Cubs, who beat the St. Louis Cardinals in four games. Only one thing is for certain: Los Angeles is going to be rocking Thursday night.
You have to love October baseball.
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