The NLCS is set for an exciting Game 6 clash as the New York Mets (89-73) face off against the Los Angeles Dodgers (98-64) in Los Angeles. With the Dodgers leading the series 3-2, they have a chance to secure their spot in the World Series at home. Meanwhile, the Mets are determined to push the series to a decisive Game 7. In a thrilling Game 5, the Mets triumphed over the Dodgers with a score of 12-6, avoiding elimination. Sean Manaea will take the mound for the Mets, while the Dodgers have yet to confirm their starting pitcher. Fans can catch all the action starting at 8:08 PM EST on FS1 from Dodger Stadium.
Mets’ Resilience Shines Bright
The New York Mets have reignited their World Series ambitions with a crucial victory in Game 5. Although winning consecutive games in Los Angeles is a tough challenge, they have demonstrated their capability by winning two out of three regular-season games at Dodger Stadium and taking Game 2 on the road. The Mets exploded offensively in Game 5, accumulating 12 runs on 14 hits. Pete Alonso set the tone early with a three-run homer in the first inning, allowing the Mets to maintain a lead throughout the match.
New York’s manager, Carlos Mendoza, expressed confidence after the Game 5 win, stating, “We showed up today. We needed that. Obviously, Pete setting the tone in the first inning was important. We just continued to add on.” Alonso has become a postseason hero, tallying four home runs and nine RBIs while batting .250. Francisco Lindor also contributed significantly, recording two hits and two runs scored, bringing his postseason total to two homers and eight RBIs with a .277 average. Despite Mark Vientos going 0-for-5 in Game 5, he remains a key player with a .333 batting average and four home runs this postseason.
Sean Manaea will start for the Mets, marking his third appearance in the postseason. He has thrown 17 innings with an impressive playoff ERA of 2.65, significantly better than his regular-season ERA of 3.47. The Mets have emerged victorious in both playoff games he has started, showcasing his ability to perform under pressure.
Dodgers Aim to Regain Momentum
The Los Angeles Dodgers returned home hoping to secure a World Series berth, but a setback in Game 5 has left them at a crossroads. Despite a 3-2 lead in the series, the loss means they must regroup and focus on winning one of the two remaining games on their home turf. Jack Flaherty, who had a stellar performance in Game 1, struggled in Game 5, allowing eight earned runs within the first three innings. Mookie Betts hit a solo home run in the sixth inning, but the team fell short.
Manager Dave Roberts addressed Flaherty’s performance, indicating, “He wasn’t sharp, clearly. He’s been fighting something. He’s been under the weather a little bit. So I don’t know if that bled into the stuff, the velocity. I’m not sure.” Betts continues to be a key offensive player, with four postseason home runs and nine RBIs. Shohei Ohtani contributed two hits but was unable to drive in any runs. Tommy Edman is also on fire, leading the team with 13 postseason hits and a .333 batting average. However, Freddie Freeman’s performance has been hampered by an ankle injury, resulting in an 0-for-5 outing in Game 5.
The Dodgers have not yet announced their starting pitcher for Game 6, but it is unlikely to be Flaherty or Yamamoto. This could mean a bullpen game, with Ryan Braiser or Walker Buehler taking the mound. Braiser has pitched limited innings in his postseason appearances, so fans should expect a combination of pitchers throughout the game.
Best Bets for New York Mets vs. Los Angeles Dodgers
The Dodgers face challenges with their starting pitching options, as neither Flaherty nor Yamamoto will be on the mound for Game 6. This opens the door for Braiser or Buehler, both of whom have yet to show consistent length in their outings. If Braiser starts, it could lead to a bullpen game, giving the Mets an edge. Buehler, while he showed promise in his last start, has a regular-season record of 1-6 and a 5.38 ERA. The Mets, on the other hand, have a clear advantage with Sean Manaea starting. His strong postseason showing has led the Mets to victories in his last two outings against the Phillies and Dodgers. The Mets have a history of explosive performances, capable of scoring runs quickly, as they demonstrated in Game 5. With Alonso and Vientos expected to bounce back, the Mets are poised to shift the series momentum and force a Game 7.
