Jack Flaherty’s mother fondly celebrates Dodgers pitcher after incredible display in NLCS Game 1 vs Mets
Jack Flaherty grew up a Los Angeles Dodgers fan while living in the area. On Sunday night, he pitched a dominant seven innings to give them a lead in the NLCS, putting them three wins away from the World Series. It was a childhood dream, which his mother reflected on after the win.
She shared on X, along with some old pictures of Flaherty as a child in Dodgers' gear:
"20 years later…this kid had his moment [at Dodgers Stadium] in the NLCS Game 1. We are so thankful for the joyful hugs, beaming smiles, and overwhelming support. Let’s GO Blue!"
Flaherty began the season with the Detroit Tigers, but after they sold at the trade deadline, he was sent to the Dodgers. He found his groove and helped the team reach Game 5 of the ALDS.
Now, Flaherty is shining with his hometown team, showcasing a remarkable stretch that includes 33 consecutive scoreless innings. While he struggled at times in the NLDS against the San Diego Padres, he rebounded brilliantly, providing the Dodgers exactly what they needed last night.
Dodgers teammates praise Jack Flaherty
Jack Flaherty delivered seven innings of two-hit baseball, preventing the New York Mets from ever truly threatening to score. His former teammate with the St. Louis Cardinals, Tommy Edman, said that the Mets "just didn't look comfortable the whole day" and that this is as good as he's ever seen the pitcher.
Dodgers catcher Will Smith said via MLB:
“He's got an aura about him. He's got intensity about him. He's had a great year, obviously had great years in the past, and we're fortunate he's pitching for us in the postseason and giving us shutties.”
Freddie Freeman highlighted that the pitcher had family in the stands, adding that this isn't something new for the pitcher:
“I mean, he’s been pitching at Dodger Stadium since he was in high school... He’s got a nice demeanor about him. Doesn’t seem too big for him. With his mom in the stands, I think he wanted to go out there and be great.”
Flaherty has at least momentarily silenced the criticisms about the Dodgers' pitching staff in the postseason.