It has been a tough couple of years for Walker Buehler but there was finally a reason for some self-congratulation after he played a key role in the Los Angeles Dodgers moving 2-1 up in the National League Championship Series against the New York Mets.
Buehler was once the poster boy in LA but two Tommy John surgeries have derailed his career and his 2024 performances have been a shadow of what he was once able to produce.
Sixteen starts for a loaded Dodgers line-up resulted in just one win while an ERA of 5.38 is a clear demonstration of his struggles. In contrast, in 2021 he won 16 games with an ERA of 2.47.
So, it would be easy to forgive Dodgers fans for fearing the worst when Buehler, already staked to a 2-0 lead, faced Mets superstar Francisco Lindor with the bases loaded and two outs in the bottom of the second in Game Three at Citi Field.
But, with a 3-2 count, Buehler produced a curve-ball that arced below Lindor’s swing to end the innings. A clenched fist and a yell of “let’s go” demonstrated the relief from Buehler. From there, the Dodgers rolled, cruising to an 8-0 win and their fourth shutout in five playoff games.
BUETANE. pic.twitter.com/brX00gV4Ee
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) October 17, 2024
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Buehler proud of efforts
He said: “Honestly, the only point of pride I’ve had in the past couple of months has been trying to get deep in the games and be efficient.
“To only throw four innings is like the complete opposite of that. But I’m proud just for a different reason in terms of being able to get through some big spots and tough spots.
“This game in October is about having zeros, and I’m proud of the fact that I was able to do that four times.”
After Buehler’s efforts, the Dodgers bullpen came in to preserve their advantage on a chilly night in New York.
“Our relievers that came in, I was looking at their big-boy metrics,” Buehler said. “I don’t know the crosswinds and what happens, but all five of my pitches were kind of a little bit bigger or weirder or acted different than normal. I don’t think it was just a curveball. Yeah, it’s just an interesting environment to pitch in here in the cold.”
Roberts delighted for plucky Buehler
Kike Hernandez, Shohei Ohtani and Max Muncy provided the offense with homers but Dodgers coach Dave Roberts was eager to discuss the game-changing pitch from Buehler.
“I think it’s been a lot of lessons that he’s had to learn, and appreciating, understanding the pitcher he is today,” Roberts said. “And also appreciating the fact that you just can’t give in to Lindor in that moment. Right there, that was the pitch of the game.
“Obviously, the crowd was into it. They were gaining momentum. To get the breaking ball down below the zone and get a great hitter out was huge. And I think that just kind of speaks to experience.”
