As they approached Game 2 of the National League Championship Series, the Los Angeles Dodgers were on the verge of setting a Major League Baseball record, just three outs away from extending their scoreless innings streak. However, New York Mets shortstop Francisco Lindor thwarted that attempt with a leadoff home run.
Before Monday’s game, the Dodgers had successfully pitched 33 consecutive scoreless innings, achieving a new National League postseason record and tying the overall MLB record set by the 1966 Baltimore Orioles. If they had managed another scoreless inning against the Mets, the Dodgers would have claimed the record outright.
“Certainly the players involved in those scoreless innings have been outstanding, and our defense has been effective in converting crucial outs,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts stated following the team’s 9-0 victory in Game 1 of the NLCS on Sunday. “The coaching staff has done a great job communicating strategy and helping our pitchers and catchers excel in their execution. Additionally, the insights from our front office have been invaluable. Our ability to prevent runs is truly a collective effort.”
After allowing six runs in the second inning of Game 3 against the San Diego Padres in the NL Divisional Series, the Dodgers’ pitching staff, consisting of 12 different pitchers, combined to throw 33 consecutive shutout innings. This remarkable performance enabled the team to recover from a 2-1 series deficit against the Padres, finishing the final two games with shutouts before continuing that trend against the Mets on Sunday.
Los Angeles is now one of only three teams to pitch three consecutive shutouts in postseason history. During this stretch, they even achieved a perfect game, retiring 28 consecutive batters from Game 5 of the NLDS through the third inning of Game 1 of the NLCS. Lindor ended that perfect streak by walking in the top of the fourth inning.
This impressive feat came despite injuries to several members of the Dodgers’ pitching staff. All-Star starter Tyler Glasnow has been sidelined since August, and Gavin Stone, who led the team in regular-season starts, ended his season in September and underwent shoulder surgery. Veteran starter Clayton Kershaw is dealing with a toe injury, while Joe Kelly, part of the 2020 World Series championship team, is also out. Additionally, while Shohei Ohtani has been contributing as a hitter, he is recovering from Tommy John surgery and is not pitching.