LOS ANGELES – The Los Angeles Dodgers overpowered the Washington Nationals on the mound and at the plate, extending the dominance that led to a franchise-record 106 victories in the regular season right on into the playoffs.
Walker Buehler allowed one hit over six innings, Max Muncy drove in three runs and the Dodgers capitalized on mistakes to beat the National 6-0 in Game 1 of their National League Division Series on Thursday night.
“Oh, they’re good. They’re really good,” Washington manager Dave Martinez said. “That’s why they have been in the postseason so many years in a row.”
Buehler struck out eight, walked three and retired his final seven batters after earning the start over veterans Clayton Kershaw and Hyun-Jin Ryu, whose 2.32 ERA was lowest in the majors this season.
“Walker, time and time again, just knows how to temper, control his emotions and transfer that into the delivery, the execution of pitches,” Los Angeles manager Dave Roberts said.