Shohei Ohtani appeared to enjoy the mixed reception he received from Mets fans during the pregame introductions before Game 3 of the NLCS at Citi Field. The Dodgers’ standout player and possible NL MVP engaged in the playful banter, smiling as he mimicked the boos from the crowd.
The atmosphere at Citi Field was electric, with fans enthusiastically cheering for the Mets during player introductions. The stadium erupted in applause when Darryl Strawberry threw the ceremonial first pitch to Doc Gooden, setting the stage for an exciting game.
Despite the spirited welcome, Ohtani’s performance in the game got off to a slow start as he grounded out on the first pitch from Luis Severino. The 30-year-old leadoff hitter had an impressive season, making history as the first player to achieve 50 home runs, 59 steals, 130 RBIs, and 134 runs, while maintaining a batting average of .310 with a 1.036 OPS. Although he did not pitch during the season due to his recovery from Tommy John surgery, Ohtani’s offensive prowess was undeniable.
In the playoffs, Ohtani had a memorable debut with a home run against the Padres in Game 1 of the NLDS. However, his performance since then had been inconsistent, with only four hits in 23 at-bats leading up to Game 3 against the Mets. Despite these challenges, Ohtani managed to contribute to the Dodgers’ success in Game 1 against the Mets with a 2-for-4 performance that included an RBI, a walk, and two runs. However, he struggled in the following game, going hitless with two walks and two strikeouts as the Mets leveled the series.
As the NLCS continued, all eyes were on Ohtani to see if he could regain his form and lead the Dodgers to victory. The dynamic player’s ability to excel both offensively and defensively had been a key factor in the team’s success throughout the season, making him a formidable opponent for the Mets.
With the series tied and the stakes high, Ohtani’s performance in Game 3 would be crucial in determining the outcome. Mets fans may have booed him during the introductions, but Ohtani’s focus remained on delivering a standout performance on the field, proving his worth as one of the top players in the league.
