What happened: Los Angeles scored three times in the sixth inning to stretch the margin to 5-1. Max Muncy's home run was part of the burst that created the separation.

Why it matters: A four-run cushion changes the shape of an October game that is still in progress. The bigger lead gives Los Angeles more room to manage the late innings and forces the other dugout to chase offense quickly.

What to watch: The next question is whether Los Angeles can carry the 5-1 edge through the middle and late innings. Any answer from the other side would quickly reset the leverage on the bullpen.