Pete Alonso, a key player for the New York Mets, golfed an impressive three-run homer, leading his team to a decisive 12-6 victory over the Los Angeles Dodgers in Game 5 of the National League Championship Series. This win not only showcased the Mets’ offensive prowess but also kept their hopes alive in the postseason.
Starling Marte was a standout performer as well, contributing significantly with three doubles, four hits, and three RBIs. Francisco Alvarez, breaking free from a slump, added three hits, including an RBI single during a five-run third inning. Both Francisco Lindor and Jesse Winker made their mark with RBI triples, further solidifying the Mets’ offensive onslaught.
After struggling in three of the first four games, the wild-card Mets managed to save their season for the second time in these playoffs, thanks to Alonso’s crucial three-run shot. This victory narrowed their series deficit to 3-2, setting the stage for a pivotal Game 6 back in Los Angeles on Sunday.
Sean Manaea is anticipated to take the mound for the Mets, coming off five days’ rest. In contrast, the Dodgers may rely on another bullpen game, as their rotation has faced significant injuries.
Jack Flaherty, who had a strong performance in Game 1, struggled against the Mets. He fell behind early, allowing Alonso to hit a low slider 432 feet to center field for his fourth postseason homer. Flaherty’s performance was disappointing, as he surrendered eight runs and eight hits over just three innings, failing to strike out a single batter for the first time since September 2022.
The Mets, having struck out 12 times the previous night, showed remarkable resilience by not whiffing once in Game 5. However, even with an 8-1 lead, New York starter David Peterson could not finish the fourth inning.
The Dodgers’ rookie Andy Pages also shined, hitting two home runs and driving in four runs. Mookie Betts contributed with a homer of his own for the second consecutive game, helping Los Angeles chip away at the Mets’ lead, reducing it to 10-6.
However, relief pitchers Ryne Stanek and Edwin Díaz effectively shut down the Dodgers, with Stanek earning the win after a career-high 2 1/3 innings pitched and Díaz securing six outs without allowing a run.
TRAINER’S ROOM
The Dodgers welcomed back All-Star first baseman Freddie Freeman, who returned to the lineup after missing two games due to a sprained right ankle. Manager Dave Roberts expressed confidence in Freeman’s ability to contribute, opting not to rest him against a left-handed pitcher.
On the Mets’ side, Jeff McNeil made a notable impact in his first playoff start, replacing struggling Jose Iglesias at second base. McNeil, returning from a broken wrist, recorded two sacrifice flies after being added to the roster for the NLCS.
UP NEXT
Manaea, with a record of 12-6 and a 3.47 ERA, is 2-0 with a 2.65 ERA in three playoff starts, including a victory in Game 2 at Dodger Stadium.
