Walker Buehler got the start for the Los Angeles Dodgers during Game 3 of the NLCS Wednesday night against the New York Mets at Citi Field in Queens, N.Y., and he performed well. Some of the strong performance can be attributed to a change he made mid-game.
FOX TV announcer John Smoltz noted that Buehler had begun the game pitching from a wind-up motion with the bases empty. But Buehler had changed early on and instead decided to pitch from the stretch even if runners weren’t on base. The stretch is a more abridged version of a pitcher’s delivery, and it is typically used with runners on base because pitchers want to deliver the ball quicker to avoid stolen bases from the runners.
In Smoltz’s eyes, going from a stretch had helped Buehler balance himself and make his pitching more consistent.
Buehler pitched four innings and allowed just three hits and two walks while striking out six. He didn’t go long enough to qualify for a win, but he did keep the Mets off the scoreboard, which is the important thing.
Buehler’s biggest moment came in the bottom of the second when he struck out Francisco Lindor with two outs and the bases loaded.
Walker Buehler strikes out Francisco Lindor to get out of a bases-loaded jam 😤🔥 pic.twitter.com/Jk3ch2cR4a
— MLB (@MLB) October 17, 2024
Buehler had some excellent stuff in the game. His two-seam fastball had great run, while his sweeper had sharp bite.
Walker Buehler, Two Seaemer and Sweeper Overlay.
Movement was ridiculous tonight. pic.twitter.com/fJCMmQ11Eo
— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) October 17, 2024
The strong start was a relief for the Dodgers, especially after Buehler was roped for six runs over five innings in Game 3 of the NLDS against the Padres.
