Game 5 of the NLCS is slated for Friday afternoon as the Los Angeles Dodgers (98-64) face the New York Mets (89-73) in what could be the final game of this series on the Mets’ home turf. The Dodgers showcased their power in Game 4, winning decisively with a score of 10-2. Should the series continue, Games 6 and 7 will take place back in Los Angeles. The winner here will advance to challenge the victor of the Yankees/Guardians series in the American League. Jack Flaherty (3.17 ERA) will take the mound for Los Angeles, while David Peterson (2.90 ERA) is set to start for New York. The first pitch is scheduled for 5:08 EST from Citi Field in Queens, available for viewing on FS1.
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Los Angeles on the Brink of Glory
The Dodgers have established a commanding presence in the series, now standing one victory away from securing a spot in the World Series. A win in New York would end the Mets’ season, but if necessary, Los Angeles will have two chances on their home field to finish the series. The Dodgers have been prolific at the plate, scoring eight or more runs in three out of the four games played thus far, helping them surpass the total run expectation in those games. In Thursday’s matchup, both Shohei Ohtani and Mookie Betts hit home runs, contributing to the team’s dominant 10-2 performance.
Manager Dave Roberts has praised his players’ ability to maintain focus and keep the pressure on, stating to ESPN, “I love the way that our guys haven’t let off the gas. We don’t want to give these guys any momentum.” Notably, Ohtani hit a home run in his first at-bat during Game 4, which helped set the tone for the match. With three home runs and nine RBIs in the postseason, Ohtani continues to demonstrate the skills that made him a standout during the regular season, where he hit 54 home runs and stole 59 bases. Surprisingly, he has yet to steal a base in nine playoff games. Mookie Betts also contributed significantly with four RBIs in Game 4, bringing his playoff total to ten, while batting .278. Additionally, Tommy Edman is finding his form, with a .324 postseason batting average and three RBIs in the last game.
Jack Flaherty is poised to start for the Dodgers after an impressive outing in Game 1, where he threw seven scoreless innings, allowing only two hits. The 29-year-old right-hander finished the regular season with a 13-7 record and a 3.17 ERA, ranking him among the top pitchers in baseball with 194 strikeouts and only 38 walks.
Mets Must Rally
The New York Mets, having made an intriguing postseason run, find themselves in a challenging position. One more defeat will conclude their season, and they have faced difficulties in containing the powerful Dodger offense. Jose Quintana, who had been stellar in his prior two postseason starts, faltered in Game 4, giving up five earned runs in just 3.1 innings. Although Mark Vientos hit a home run early in the game, the Mets could not keep pace with their opponents.
Brandon Nimmo also contributed with an RBI via a fielder’s choice, acknowledging the uphill battle they face. He remarked to ESPN, “If we come back from this, then it’s going to be a heck of a story.” With four RBIs in the postseason, Vientos has emerged as the team’s standout player, boasting a .366 batting average alongside three home runs and 11 RBIs. Francisco Lindor and Pete Alonso both logged hits in Game 4, yet none resulted in runs, highlighting the need for more offensive contributions from their core players. Lindor, Alonso, and Starling Marte each have over six RBIs this postseason and will need to step up significantly to keep up with the Dodgers.
The Mets announced David Peterson as the Game 5 starter later than expected. Although he was a regular starter in the regular season, he has been utilized primarily in relief during the playoffs. Manager Dave Roberts noted that, “Peterson is fully rested. Last time he pitched was four days ago. So I’m anticipating him making a regular start.” Peterson ended the regular season with a commendable 2.90 ERA and a 10-3 record, including a stretch where the Mets won eight consecutive games during his starts.
Key Considerations for Dodgers vs. Mets
The momentum appears to favor the Dodgers heading into Game 5. The Mets’ quick turnaround does not bode well, especially following Thursday’s overwhelming loss. When players like Brandon Nimmo express that a comeback would be a “heck of a story,” it suggests a sense of resignation within the team. The Dodgers’ star hitters, Ohtani and Betts, have found their rhythm, contributing significantly to their team’s success. In contrast, the Mets’ key players have struggled, with Lindor and Alonso failing to produce in crucial moments. Peterson, now tasked with a starting role, faces the challenge of extending his innings after primarily pitching in relief. Flaherty’s previous dominance over the Mets adds to New York’s concerns as they aim to avoid elimination. The stage is set for an intense showdown.
