**Dodgers Seize Command with 3-1 Series Lead Against Mets**

The Los Angeles Dodgers showcased their dominance once again, securing a commanding 10-2 victory over the New York Mets in Game 4 on Thursday. This win places the Dodgers just one game away from advancing to their fourth World Series in the past eight seasons, holding a 3-1 series lead. The Mets now face a daunting challenge: stave off elimination and revive the offensive prowess that earned them a 7-3 win in Game 2. Throughout the first four games, Los Angeles has outpaced New York with a staggering 30-9 run differential.

As the series shifts to Game 5, the Dodgers will rely on the right arm of Jack Flaherty, whose postseason has been impressive with a 2.92 ERA and eight strikeouts over 12.1 innings. Flaherty's opening performance hints at potential vulnerabilities, with Francisco Lindor and Pete Alonso making solid contact despite missing home runs. The Mets, banking on a clutch performance, will counter with lefty David Peterson, who has maintained a 2.08 ERA and five strikeouts over 8.2 innings this postseason.

The second inning witnessed the Dodgers' Shohei Ohtani drawing his fourth walk in two games under strange circumstances, as he seemed to have something in his eye before flailing at a 3-1 slider. The inning continued with David Peterson's errant pitch allowing Los Angeles' first run. Despite some early signs of stress, Peterson has so far limited the Dodgers to a 0-for-4 performance with runners in scoring position.

Amidst the intensity, Jack Flaherty experienced control issues, throwing only 17 of 32 pitches for strikes and giving up three hits in the first inning alone. His velocity dipped, and the Mets capitalized with a leadoff double by Francisco Alvarez, prompting speculation about how long Flaherty could last in this critical game. Francisco Lindor nearly turned the tide with several near-home runs, showing the Mets' hard-hitting potential.

As the game continues, the Mets hope to leverage every opportunity to overcome the Dodgers' imposing lead. The matchup between Flaherty's persistence on the mound and Peterson's steadiness remains pivotal in this high-stakes showdown.