Mets pitcher wants to emulate the Padres' success in slowing down the Dodgers' Shohei Ohtani

The New York Mets are confident heading into Game 3 of the National League Championship Series on Wednesday in New York with Luis Severino getting the win.

Severino believes he has the blueprint to slow down the Los Angeles Dodgers and Shohei Ohtani, and he was a key part of the Mets' rotation that got them this far.

When it comes to facing Ohtani, Severino has a clear plan.

“As for me, I would look at how Yu Darvish beat him, the youngest right-wing extremist, and how they attacked him,” he said. “As you say, he is a great batsman. So I have to be careful. But if I can pick my spot and make my throws, I think I’ll be good.”

Ohtani faced Severino eight times in his career while playing for the Angels. He went 3 for 6 with a double, a home run and an RBI, as well as two walks and a strikeout. Severino knows it won't be easy to follow Darvish's exact approach, but he will do his best.

“Darvish has about 10 different pitches. It will be hard, but I can learn something,” Severino added.

While Sean Manaea's performance in Game 2 was impressive and Jose Quintana provided stability, it is now Severino who is tasked with leading them in this contest.

Severino's playoff history has been somewhat rocky, dating back to his 2017 postseason debut with the Yankees, when he lasted just a third of an inning in the Wild Card game against the Twins. He had another tough outing the following year when he was knocked down by the Red Sox in Game 3 of the ALDS.

Nevertheless, this time Severino is focused and ready for the challenge.

“They’re here for a reason,” Severino said of the Dodgers. “They have a good lineup. They showed a lot in the first and second games. When you have two or three MVPs in the same lineup, it says so much. They have a good line-up, you just have to. Be prepared for it.

But Severino doesn't dwell on the past. When asked how he is preparing for the upcoming game, he kept it simple.

“I just watch a few videos. Like I said, watch the games, the past games, watch them take the at-bats. And then I'll just forget everything, go to my house and probably play a little video games and that's it, don't worry about tomorrow.

And what game does he like to play the most? With a grin, Severino replied, “Call of Duty.”