The NLCS returns to Citi Field for Game 3, with the Mets and Dodgers tied at 1-1. The last time the NLCS was played at Citi Field was in 2015, when Daniel Murphy hit a home run for the fourth consecutive game. This time around, Mets fans are eager for a win and the atmosphere is expected to be electric.
Here are five key storylines heading into Game 3:
- Can Walker Buehler deliver for the Dodgers? After a bullpen game strategy in Game 2 didn’t work out well, Buehler will take the mound in Game 3. However, his performance this season has been disappointing compared to previous years.
- Will Francisco Lindor continue to make an impact? Lindor set the stage early in Game 2 with a home run that ended the Dodgers’ streak of not giving up a run. He has been a key player for the Mets all year and is expected to play a crucial role in this series.
- Can the Dodgers’ MVPs bounce back? Shohei Ohtani, Mookie Betts, and Freddie Freeman had a rough outing in Game 2, going hitless with six strikeouts. The Dodgers need their star players to step up if they want to regain control of the series.
- How intense will Citi Field be? With limited postseason games since its construction, it’s easy to forget how loud and wild Citi Field can get during important games. The atmosphere is expected to be electric as Mets fans rally behind their team.
- Are the Mets now favorites? Despite being considered underdogs due to their regular-season performance and lack of recent postseason success compared to the Dodgers, many believe that after their Game 2 win, momentum may be shifting towards New York.
Game 3 will undoubtedly bring more excitement as both teams battle it out for control of this highly anticipated series.