The New York Mets defeated the Los Angeles Dodgers 12-6 in Game 5 of the NLCS on Friday night to send the series back to Los Angeles for Game 6 tomorrow night. New York heads west down 3-2. After struggling in Games 4 and 5, New York’s offense came alive in last night’s victory. The offense made some history as well in the process. It was the first time the New York Mets scored 10+ runs in a playoff game since they did so in Game 3 of the 2015 NLCS against the Los Angeles Dodgers.
First Baseman Pete Alonso’s three-run home run in the bottom of the first inning was his third in a potential elimination game. That set a new Mets record. Shortstop Francisco Lindor and Designated Hitter Jesse Winker also both had triples in last night’s victory. It was the first time in New York Mets playoff history they had multiple triples in a game. After striking out 39 times over the first four NLCS games, New York did not strike out last night.
New York was the first team to not strike out in a playoff game since the Los Angeles Angels did so in the 2002 World Series. The final piece of history made in last night’s season-saving victory was by New York Mets Right Fielder Starling Marte. He became the first player in team history with three doubles in a postseason game. Will New York be able to parlay all this momentum into a Game 6 victory?
Looking Ahead To Game 6
The New York Mets will turn to their ace Sean Manaea for a critical Game 6. He is 2-0 this postseason with a 2.65 ERA. Manaea experienced success against the Los Angeles Dodgers in Game 2 of the NLCS. He surrendered three runs(two earned) over five innings of work while punching out seven. New York will need another solid start from the veteran lefty to have a chance to extend the series.
Los Angeles will be taking a different approach to tomorrow’s game. Dodgers Manager Dave Roberts will be using countless pitchers to help punch LA’s ticket to the World Series. Roberts said this about his strategy for Game 5 and heading home for Game 6, “At 5-1, I am not going to deploy our leverage guys knowing there is a cost on the back end. Appreciating the fact that there is more baseball to play in the series…I had five leverage guys that you got to deploy at the right time.” Some of the pitchers Roberts is saving for Sunday’s game are Relief Pitchers Evan Phillips and Blake Treinen.
Final Thoughts
The New York Mets need to score runs in tomorrow night’s game. They have been unable to silence LA’s offense outside of Game 2. Los Angeles has scored 36 runs over the first five games of the NLCS. Even with Manaea going in Game 6, and Los Angeles using multiple bullpen arms, it should be another high-scoring game at Dodgers Stadium.
New York will need production from their star players like Lindor and Alonso to extend the series to a winner-take-all Game 7 on Monday night. While the New York Mets will have the momentum heading into Game 6, they will still have their work cut out for them if they want to extend the series.
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