"It was huge to take New York fans out early and keep them out" - Mookie Betts on surviving 'tough' Mets fans in NLCS Game 3

When it comes to postseason experience, Mookie Betts is one of the richest members of the Los Angeles Dodgers. After a win in Game 3, Betts spoke to media about a crucial factor that he feels his team effectively eliminated.

In the media scrum following his team's 8-0 win in Game 3, Betts addressed the importance of stifling fan enthusiasm by crossing the plate early:

"It was huge to take New York fans out early and keep them out of there. They tried to battle back a few times, but we did a good job limiting damage"

Betts, who won a World Series with the Boston Red Sox in 2018, knows as well as anyone how crucial fan momentum is in the postseason. New York fans are known for their passion, and according to Mookie Betts, removing that element of support from the Mets' playbook aided his team's success.

Walker Buehler began the game for LA, and tossed four scoreless innings while putting six strikeouts. After going up 2-0 by the sixth, home runs from Kike Hernandez, Shohei Ohtani and Max Muncy sealed the 8-0 win for the Dodgers, while giving them a 2-1 lead.

"SHOHEI OHTANI SENDS THIS BASEBALL TO A DIFFERENT PLANET" - MLB

So far this postseason, Betts is hitting .200/.333/.433 with two home runs and six RBIs in eight games. During the regular season, the Dodgers were incredibly effective at tuning out hostile fanbases to log wins on the road. Manager Dave Roberts' team's 46 road wins were tied with the Milwaukee Brewers for the most in the National League this past season.

Mookie Betts' postseason tenacity earns him respect of teammates

A veteran of playoff baseball, Mookie Betts understands how important being clutch in October is. All season, his teammates have looked to Betts for inspiration and leadership, as teammate Max Muncy told ESPN of Betts earlier in the week:

"He is one of the best players in baseball, and he's been one of the best players in the postseason. I know these last two years haven't shown that, but, I mean, come on. Look at what he's done in the past. He can still do it in the postseason."

With his team now a mere six wins away from a World Series title, Betts and company will continue to employ the very practices that made them the best team in baseball this season.