Kodai Senga started Game 1 on Sunday for his third appearance of the year, and Los Angeles teed off on him and New York’s ensuing parade of relievers.

Texas’ three losses were nearly identical as Philadelphia’s elite pitching squashed any early momentum the Rangers had built.

The National League Championship Series matchup between the Los Angeles Dodgers and New York Mets is the definition of a heavyweight bout. The clubs boast two of the highest payrolls in the sport ...