Pitching Duel Interrupted by New York Downpour

The highly anticipated NLCS rematch between the Los Angeles Dodgers and New York Mets faced an unexpected pause Friday night when heavy rain halted play at Citi Field during the third inning. With the score locked at 0-0, officials deployed the tarp at 8:35 PM ET as weather radar confirmed sustained precipitation.

Kershaw's Comeback Meets Canning's Consistency

Dodgers veteran Clayton Kershaw demonstrated sharp form in his second post-surgery start, retiring six consecutive Mets batters through two innings. The 37-year-old left-hander maintained his career 2.03 ERA against New York while throwing 33 efficient pitches.

Mets counterpart Griffin Canning matched the intensity, maintaining his impressive 2.47 ERA through two scoreless innings. The right-hander's eight-game quality start streak faced jeopardy as rain disrupted his rhythm.

NBA Broadcast Saves Soaked Spectators

While players awaited updates, Citi Field staff redirected attention to the Jumbotron showing Game 2 of the Knicks-Pacers Eastern Conference Finals. The impromptu basketball broadcast generated unexpected cheers from rain-drenched fans, with many applauding the creative solution on social media.

Strategic Challenges for Both Clubs

The delay created roster management dilemmas:
- Dodgers manager Dave Roberts must preserve Kershaw's arm strength
- Mets' Carlos Mendoza faces bullpen decisions against LA's power hitters
- MLB's 30-minute restart rule complicates pitching changes

Historical Context Adds Stakes

This matchup continues a heated rivalry dating to last year's NLCS and April's bench-clearing incident in Los Angeles. Both teams entered with strong records (Dodgers 31-19, Mets 30-20), intensifying playoff implications.

Weather Outlook and Next Steps

Meteorologists predict continued Thunderstorms through Friday night, making resumption uncertain. If postponed, MLB would likely schedule a Saturday doubleheader. Both teams' bullpen depth could prove decisive when play resumes.

Key Factors

Clayton Kershaw's endurance
Griffin Canning's restart readiness
Bullpen management strategies
Shohei Ohtani's batting potential