LOS ANGELES -- With the inconsistencies and injuries in the starting rotation, the Dodgers came into the postseason knowing they were going to have to deploy a couple of bullpen games in order to be successful.

In Game 4 of the National League Division Series against the Padres, the Dodgers ran a ’pen game to perfection, using eight pitchers to complete the shutout and keep their season alive in an elimination scenario.

Their second attempt at a bullpen game, however, didn’t go nearly as smoothly.

The Dodgers were never able to recover after falling into a quick six-run hole and dropped Game 2 of the NL Championship Series against the Mets, 7-3, on Monday at Dodger Stadium. The best-of-seven series is now tied at one game apiece as it shifts to Citi Field.

In best-of-seven postseason series under the current 2-3-2 format, teams splitting the first two games at home -- before going on the road for Games 3-5 -- have still won the series 49 of 88 times (56%). But a lot comes down to Game 3. In all best-of-seven series tied after two games, the team taking a 2-1 lead has won the series 69 of 100 times (69%).