Steve Webb
NEW YORK, NY — Following a decisive 8-0 victory over the Mets in Game 3 of the NLCS, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts shared insights on key moments and decisions that shaped the game. The Dodgers’ pitching staff delivered another outstanding performance, with Walker Buehler leading the way and Kiké Hernández’s clutch home run providing a spark.
Asked about Buehler’s pivotal strikeout of Francisco Lindor with the bases loaded, Roberts highlighted the growth the pitcher has shown, particularly in his approach to big moments. “I think it’s been a lot of lessons that he’s had to learn,” Roberts said. “Understanding the pitcher he is today and appreciating the fact that you just can’t give in to Lindor in that moment.” Buehler’s decision to throw a curveball instead of relying on his fastball showed a new level of maturity. Roberts credited catcher Will Smith for his game-calling skills: “I think Will Smith is doing a fantastic job…not trying to get too predictable, appreciating the game score and all that stuff. It was just game management.”
The manager went on to discuss Buehler’s journey back from a challenging season, marked by struggles to regain his previous form following major surgery. “He’s sort of had to reinvent himself, and I say that in a complimentary way,” Roberts explained. “When there’s some adversity, you get kicked in the teeth and you lose confidence, to then reset and come back and still stick it out…that’s something for me that speaks to his character.” Reflecting on the pitcher’s progress, Roberts admitted that back in June or July, he wouldn’t have imagined Buehler in this position, crediting the right-hander for his perseverance.
Kiké Hernández’s home run in the sixth inning was another turning point. “Immensely,” Roberts said when asked how much the homer changed the complexion of the game. “We found a way to get lucky and score a couple runs early in that second inning, but for Kiké to have that at-bat…that was huge, that was enormous.” The home run, which came after an extended eight- or nine-pitch battle, provided the Dodgers with a four-run lead, giving Buehler some breathing room and setting the stage for Roberts to manage the bullpen effectively.
Roberts elaborated on how Hernández’s home run allowed him to make better use of the bullpen, ensuring key relievers stayed fresh for upcoming games. “Not having to have Blake (Treinen) go back out there for another inning, not having to use Evan (Phillips) or (Daniel) Hudson tonight, and allowing Ben Casparius to go out there and give us two huge innings…those things matter,” he noted. In a long series, preserving the bullpen arms can be critical to a team’s success.
When asked whether Buehler might have pitched longer if the game had played out differently, Roberts indicated that the strain of each inning dictated the decision to pull him after 90 pitches. “After each of the innings that he threw, there was a lot of stress, so for me, that’s all he had left,” Roberts explained. The manager added that he had confidence in the bullpen to close out the game, a decision that paid off with another shutout.
The Dodgers’ pitching has been dominant throughout the postseason, delivering four shutouts in their last five games against some of the National League’s best-hitting teams. Roberts praised the collective effort, giving credit to the coaching staff and players alike. “The guys are locked in and they understand they have a job to do to prevent runs,” he said. “I think we’re playing good defense too, and that’s a big part of it.” The manager singled out the contributions of pitching coach Mark Prior, bullpen coach Connor McGuiness, and game planning and communications coach Danny Lehmann, in addition to Smith’s work behind the plate.
Looking ahead, Roberts expressed confidence in the team’s pitching depth, noting that they have key arms ready for the next games. “We got Yamamoto and Jack, so I feel good where we’re at right now,” he said.
In addition to discussing pitching strategy, Roberts addressed Freddie Freeman’s health, reassuring that the first baseman is fine after dealing with some discomfort during the game. “My expectation is he’ll be in there tomorrow,” he confirmed.
With the series now tilting in the Dodgers’ favor at 2-1, Roberts’ approach to managing his players’ workloads and leveraging critical moments has put his team in a strong position. As the postseason continues, the Dodgers’ ability to blend timely hitting, experienced pitching, and strategic management will be vital in their pursuit of another World Series title.
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