It’s Walker Buehler’s World, and We’re All Just Living in It
A Masterclass Performance
There was a moment early in Game 3 on Monday night at Yankee Stadium that a raucous crowd of 49,368 loyal fans fell so silent you could hear a pin drop. It wasn’t during the pregame Fat Joe performance, but it happened shortly after Yankees’ slugger Aaron Judge struck out for the seventh time in this World Series and after Giancarlo Stanton weakly grounded out to end the first inning. Then it happened again, and again, and again, until the crowd headed for the exits after the seventh inning, with their beloved Yankees getting shut out 4-0 (at the time), and elimination staring them in the face.
Walker Buehler’s Dominance
For the New York faithful, this World Series was supposed to bring back the echoes of their team’s past glories, but instead, in Game 3, it became Walker Buehler’s stage and spotlight. In a pressure-packed World Series game in hostile territory in the Bronx, most pitchers would wilt like a flower that’s been cutoff from water. But Walker Buehler isn’t most pitchers.
A Maestro of October
When it comes to big games in the playoffs, Buehler turns into a maestro of October, and his dominance on the mound is his Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9. Buehler delivered yet another gem of a performance on Saturday to give the Dodgers a commanding 3-0 lead in the World Series and put his team on the edge of their eighth championship in franchise history.
A Record-Breaking Performance
With his confidence at an all-time high, Buehler shut out the Yankees potent offense for five innings, allowing just two hits with two walks and five strikeouts. The New York crowd that was encouraged to "Get on their feet," "Get loud," and "Scream" all night long, instead sat in an uneasy and awkward silence. When they did scream, it was at their own team. When they did get on their feet, it was to head for their subway ride home.
A Legacy in the Making
Buehler’s performance added another chapter to his legacy as one of the best big-game pitchers of his generation. Across his three career World Series starts, he’s never allowed more than five baserunners in any outing, setting an MLB record as the only pitcher in World Series history to have three or more starts last five or more innings, with five or fewer baserunners allowed.
The Return of the Old Buehler
In those three outings, he’s given up a single run over 18 innings, a stat that cements him as one of baseball’s most clutch postseason arms. In a season that tested him more than any other, Monday night was his defining moment.
Conclusion
Monday night, Walker Buehler turned in a masterclass performance that left the crowd in awe. His dominance on the mound was a testament to his growth and resilience, both of which have been evident in his postseason performances. As the series moves forward, it’s clear that Buehler will be a key factor in the Dodgers’ quest for their eighth championship.
FAQs
Q: What was the final score of Game 3?
A: The final score was 4-0 in favor of the Dodgers.
Q: How many baserunners did Buehler allow in his start?
A: Buehler allowed just two hits, two walks, and five strikeouts, for a total of five baserunners in his start.
Q: What was the final score of the series after Game 3?
A: The Dodgers lead the series 3-0.
Q: Are the Dodgers likely to re-sign Buehler?
A: While Buehler has expressed his happiness with the Dodgers, his future with the team is uncertain, especially with his free agency looming.
