A Single Pitch Saves the Day
In the cutthroat world of professional baseball, one pitch can be the difference between victory and defeat. For Walker Buehler, a struggling pitcher for the Los Angeles Dodgers, that one pitch came in the bottom of the second inning of Game 3 of the NL Championship Series against the New York Mets.
A Season of Struggle
Buehler’s 2022 and 2023 seasons were marred by injuries, including two Tommy John surgeries. He made a mere 16 starts in the regular season, winning just once and posting a dismal 5.38 ERA. This was a far cry from his glory days in 2021, when he won 16 games with a 2.47 ERA.
The Turning Point
With the bases loaded and two outs, Buehler faced Francisco Lindor, the star of the Mets. The count was full, and Buehler stuck to his four-seam fastball and knuckle-curve. On a 3-2 count, catcher Will Smith called for the curve, and Buehler delivered. The pitch dove beautifully below Lindor’s knees, and the Mets star swung and missed. This was not the pitch Buehler would have thrown in his prime, but it was a testament to his growth as a pitcher.
A Newfound Appreciation
“I think it’s been a lot of lessons that he’s had to learn, and appreciating, understanding the pitcher he is today,” said Dodgers manager Dave Roberts. “And also appreciating the fact that you just can’t give in to Lindor in that moment.” The strikeout was a turning point in the game, and Buehler’s performance earned him a newfound appreciation for his craft.
Weathering the Storm
The cold and windy night at Citi Field may have helped Buehler record a season-best 18 swings and misses. He relied heavily on his sweeper, throwing it a season-high 21 times out of his 90 pitches. The Mets agreed that the cold weather affected the ball’s movement, making it harder to hit.
A Team Effort
After Buehler’s departure, the bullpen took over, with Michael Kopech, Ryan Brasier, Blake Treinen, and rookie Ben Casparius combining for the shutout. The Dodgers’ remarkable fourth shutout in five playoff games was a testament to their team effort.
Looking Ahead
As the Dodgers take on the Mets in Game 4, Buehler can bask in the glory of his crucial performance. With Yoshinobu Yamamoto starting and not expected to go deep into the game, the bullpen will once again play a key role. But for now, Buehler can savor the moment, knowing that one pitch can make all the difference.
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