Steve Webb
BRONX, NY — Following the Dodgers’ 4-2 victory over the Yankees in Game 3 of the World Series, Walker Buehler reflected on his performance, crediting his foreseam fastball and the adrenaline of postseason play as factors that contributed to his success.
When asked about his foreseam fastball, Buehler noted that it served as a key setup pitch throughout the game. “It used to be a little bit closer,” he explained, “but I got a couple of swing-and-miss early, and that kind of resets you mentally to think, ‘Oh, I got a good one going today.’” This momentum helped him focus, putting him in control of the game.
Buehler was also asked how the foreseam’s effectiveness impacts his overall game. “It’s less about that pitch more than it just lets me get into some counts,” he said. “You’re protecting the other stuff, and then you can throw the bigger one with two strikes.” This freedom, he shared, allowed him to play with confidence and composure, knowing he could rely on his pitches to keep the Yankees’ offense off-balance.
The pressure of postseason play also appeared to heighten his performance. Reflecting on the impact of big games, Buehler said, “I think it’s that adrenaline… that weight I like feeling. There’s an organization relying on me to win a playoff game. It’s hard to replicate.” He acknowledged that this expectation fuels him, particularly during the high stakes of the playoffs, saying it pushes him “to get through the playoffs” and gives him confidence in his abilities.
In five scoreless innings, Buehler relied on his defense to maintain the momentum. He praised outfielders Mookie Betts and Teoscar Hernández, who made two clutch defensive plays to keep the Yankees from scoring. Of Betts’ diving catch, Buehler said, “He’s won a few Gold Gloves out there, so that’s something we expect.” Hernández’s outfield assist, throwing out Giancarlo Stanton at home, provided a pivotal moment for Buehler and the Dodgers. “I got in the dugout and said, ‘They don’t know about you in New York!’ It was pretty cool for him to show off the other side of the ball.”
Reflecting on the bond within the Dodgers’ roster, Buehler expressed a strong sense of camaraderie. “This team is just different,” he shared. “There’s a bond that’s kind of different. We play for each other.” Hernández’s defensive play, he pointed out, underscored the team’s resilience. “I slipped a little, I gave up a couple hits, and we cover it,” he explained, “I haven’t been on many teams that cover each other like this one does.”
Asked how it felt to be on a team one game away from winning the World Series, Buehler was succinct: “I’m excited to watch our guys go tomorrow.” If needed, he assured reporters that he’d be ready for Game 7 but hoped the Dodgers could bring home the title without it. The focus now shifts to Game 4, where the Dodgers will attempt to clinch their World Series victory at Yankee Stadium.
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