The electric atmosphere at Dodger Stadium will reach a fever pitch on Saturday as the Los Angeles Dodgers aim to clinch a coveted World Series berth in Game 6 of the National League Championship Series against the resilient New York Mets. With a 3-2 series lead, the Dodgers have the upper hand, but the Mets have proven they won’t go down without a fight.
According to sources close to the team, the Dodgers will turn to their bullpen ace Michael Kopech to start the potentially decisive game. Kopech, who has been a force out of the pen with 15 saves and a 3.46 ERA during the regular season, will look to set the tone early and stifle the Mets’ potent offense.
The Mets, meanwhile, will counter with seasoned lefty Sean Manaea, who has been brilliant this postseason with a 2-0 record and a 2.65 ERA. Manaea’s experience and composure under pressure could be key to keeping the Mets’ World Series hopes alive.
Lineups and Matchups
The Dodgers’ lineup will feature a notable change, with superstar first baseman Freddie Freeman not starting due to a nagging injury. Manager Derek Shelton is opting for a more defensive-minded infield, with Max Muncy shifting to first and Enrique Hernandez taking over at third.
For the Mets, the heart of their order remains formidable, anchored by the slugging duo of Pete Alonso and Jesse Winker. Alonso, in particular, has been a force this NLCS, launching clutch homers and driving in key runs. His bat could be the X-factor in keeping the Mets’ season alive.
Key Matchups to Watch
- Michael Kopech vs. Pete Alonso: The power vs. power showdown that could decide the game
- Sean Manaea vs. Mookie Betts: A critical lefty-righty matchup at the top of the Dodgers’ order
- Bullpens: With both starters unlikely to go deep, the battle of the bullpens could be pivotal
“This is what you play for, the chance to go to the World Series. We know the Mets aren’t going to make it easy, but we’re ready for the challenge,” said one Dodgers player, who requested anonymity to discuss the team’s mindset. “We’ve got Kopech going, the home crowd behind us. It’s going to be electric out there.”
The Mets, for their part, remain undaunted by the task at hand. “We’ve been counted out before,” an unnamed Mets veteran told reporters. “But this team doesn’t quit. We’re going to leave it all on the field and force a Game 7. Anything can happen.”
The Stakes Couldn’t Be Higher
For the Dodgers, a win would send them back to the World Series for the second time in three years and give them a chance to avenge their 2021 heartbreak. A loss, however, would mean a do-or-die Game 7 and a creeping sense of déjà vu.
The Mets, meanwhile, are chasing their first pennant in over a decade. A win keeps those dreams alive for another day; a loss sends them home for a long winter of what-ifs.
As the sun sets over Chavez Ravine, the stage is set for a game that will be etched in MLB playoff lore. Will the Dodgers punch their ticket to baseball’s biggest stage, or will the Mets find a way to survive and force a winner-take-all Game 7? Only nine innings stand between these two powerhouse clubs and their ultimate postseason fate. First pitch can’t come soon enough.
