The New York Mets entered Game 5 of the National League Championship Series with their backs against the wall, trailing the juggernaut Los Angeles Dodgers 3 games to 1. But in front of a raucous Citi Field crowd, the Amazins found new life, erupting for 12 runs to stave off elimination with a 12-6 victory. The series now shifts back to Dodger Stadium for Game 6 on Sunday.
The Mets’ offensive onslaught began in the very first inning, courtesy of their All-Star slugger Pete Alonso. After Brandon Nimmo and Jeff McNeil reached base to open the bottom of the frame, Alonso launched a mammoth 432-foot three-run homer to center field off Dodgers starter Jack Flaherty. It was Alonso’s second season-saving long ball of this postseason, having also connected for a go-ahead shot in Game 3 of the Wild Card Series against Milwaukee.
I think that this is about momentum, and we take the momentum back today. So we have to keep going with the two games in Los Angeles.
– Francisco Alvarez, Mets catcher
Mets Bats Come Alive in Game 5
New York’s hitters were relentless against Flaherty and the Dodgers bullpen, pounding out 16 hits, including 5 for extra bases. Starling Marte led the way with three doubles among his four hits, driving in three. Top prospect Francisco Alvarez broke out of his slump with three knocks, while Francisco Lindor and Jesse Winker each tripled and drove in a run.
The 12 runs marked the Mets’ highest-scoring postseason output since plating 13 in Game 3 of the 2015 NLDS, also against the Dodgers. It was also the most runs they’ve ever scored when facing playoff elimination.
Flaherty, Dodgers Arms Falter
Jack Flaherty, the pride of Los Angeles, was visibly out of sorts in his hometown ballpark. After twirling seven shutout innings in a dominant Game 1 performance, the right-hander was shelled for eight runs on eight hits over a mere three innings. Flaherty failed to record a strikeout for the first time since September 2022.
L.A.’s relievers didn’t fare much better. Despite the best efforts of rookie slugger Andy Pages, who clubbed two homers and drove in four runs, and a blast by Mookie Betts, the Dodgers never recovered from the early 8-1 hole Flaherty dug for them.
Stanek, Diaz Shut the Door
After starter David Peterson was chased in the fourth inning, setup man Ryne Stanek delivered in a major way for New York. The right-hander fired a career-high 2 1/3 scoreless innings to earn the victory. All-world closer Edwin Diaz then slammed the door with two perfect frames to seal the crucial win.
We came in with the same mentality: Go and win this game and go back to L.A. We played really good baseball against a really good team.
– Edwin Diaz, Mets closer
Dodgers Eye Clincher, Mets Battling Back
While the Dodgers still maintain a 3-2 series lead and can advance to the World Series with a win at home, the Mets have newfound life as they head back to the West Coast. New York is likely to turn to veteran lefty Sean Manaea in Game 6, while Los Angeles will probably utilize a bullpen game due to the number of injuries to its starting rotation.
Pete Alonso and the Mets aren’t done yet. They’ve proven their resilience time and again this October. But to complete this comeback against a powerhouse Dodgers squad, they’ll need to summon two more herculean performances, this time on enemy turf at Chavez Ravine. Game 6 promises to be a thriller as New York fights to extend its season one more day and force a winner-take-all Game 7.
