What happened: Los Angeles Dodgers starter Yoshinobu Yamamoto has struck out seven Mets batters through three innings in Game 4 of the NLCS. He has allowed minimal damage while showcasing his elite stuff. The crowd at Dodger Stadium is buzzing with his command.

Why it matters: This hot start from the high-priced free agent validates his acquisition and bolsters LA's World Series aspirations amid tight series. Historically, such outings correlate with postseason wins for aces.

What to watch: Monitor Yamamoto's pitch efficiency and the Mets' lineup adjustments in middle innings; watch for Dodgers bullpen usage if he exits early.