The Los Angeles Dodgers settled for tying the MLB postseason record with 33 consecutive scoreless innings. They achieved the feat behind Ben Casparius pitching the ninth against the New York Mets in Game 1 of the National League Championship Series.
“I had no idea. That’s cool. I had no idea,” he said of the Dodgers’ shutout streak. “We don’t talk about it. I think everybody is just prepared. Matchup-wise, everybody has a game plan and is ready to go on a nightly basis.
“I think that’s the biggest thing. And we have an endless possibility with a bunch of competitors and guys who can get the job done in any situation.”
The Dodgers’ postseason scoreless innings streak began in the NL Division Series as they overcame a 2-1 deficit. They held the San Diego Padres without a run in the last 24 innings en route to twice staving off elimination.
Excellent pitching carried into the NLCS, as Jack Flaherty turned in seven shutout innings in Game 1 against the Mets.
The Dodgers became the third team in MLB history to throw three consecutive postseason shutouts, joining the 1966 Baltimore Orioles and 1905 New York Giants.
The 1966 Orioles achieved their streak of 33 consecutive scoreless innings against the Dodgers in the World Series.
What made the Dodgers’ postseason streak especially impressive is they utilized a pair of bullpen games to get there.
“The game has certainly changed, and I think that from our perspective, I think it’s just a collective effort,” manager Dave Roberts said after the team’s Game 1 win over the Mets.
“Certainly the players that were involved in all those scoreless innings have been fantastic. I think defensively we’ve been very good, converting outs when we need to.
“I think the coaches have done a great job of relaying the information and making it tangible and allowing for our pitchers and catchers to do a great job of sequencing, catching the ball the right way.
“And the front office, just the information we get. I just think that how we’re preventing runs, it’s a complete team effort, collective effort.”
Will Smith, who has been behind the plate for the entire scoreless innings streak, said it is a nice accomplishment for the pitching staff.
“That’s cool. It’s been a good streak for our guys. They just went out there and dominated,” he noted. “I’m back there calling the pitches, but it’s all those guys executing what we’re deciding. So just trying to keep it going tomorrow.”
Francisco Lindor snaps Dodgers postseason scoreless innings streak
Ryan Brasier had an opportunity to give the Dodgers a new postseason record as he was called on to start Game 2 in an opener role. Brasier immediately fell short of extending the Dodgers’ streak to 34 consecutive scoreless innings as he surrendered a leadoff home run to Francisco Lindor.
The start was Brasier’s second of the 2024 postseason and fourth overall appearance.
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