Dodgers Edge Mets in Thrilling 13-Inning Showdown

NEW YORK (AP) — Teoscar Hernández sparked the Los Angeles Dodgers with a go-ahead RBI double in the 13th inning, leading to a 7-5 victory over the New York Mets on Friday night at Citi Field.

A dramatic contest unfolded as the Mets rallied late, scoring three runs in the ninth inning to tie the game at 5, thrilling a crowd of 40,449 who endured a 98-minute rain delay during the third inning.

New York’s Jeff McNeil hit a two-run triple, and Tyrone Taylor brought him home with an RBI single, pushing the game into extra innings.

Despite their valiant comeback, the Mets struggled to capitalize on scoring opportunities in the extra frames, unable to convert their best hitters’ chances to win the game.

The Dodgers finally took control in the 13th against Huascar Brazobán, New York’s ninth pitcher of the night. Will Smith, the automatic runner on second base, scored after Hernández’s double. Hernández also contributed early with a two-run single.

Hyeseong Kim’s single allowed Hernández to advance to third, and he then scored on a sacrifice fly from Andy Pages, solidifying a 7-5 lead for Los Angeles.

Luis García earned the win after pitching 2 1/3 hitless innings, celebrating the final out at 12:56 a.m. when center fielder Tommy Edman made a sliding catch. The game lasted 4 hours, 8 minutes, excluding the rain delay.

For the Dodgers, Smith, Pages, and Max Muncy each added RBI singles as the team aims to replicate their successful 2024 season where they won the National League Championship Series.

Brett Baty homered for the Mets, who have now lost six of their last eight games. An unusual play in the fourth inning involving a call of obstruction against Muncy allowed Pete Alonso to bring home a run on a sacrifice fly.

Clayton Kershaw returned for the Dodgers after being off the injured list but had his start cut short due to the rain.

Some key moments for the Mets included Luisangel Acuña stranding potential winning runners on base in the ninth and eleventh innings. Alonso’s flyout to center with two runners on in the tenth added to their frustrations, while a double play in the twelfth ended another threat.

Scott recorded his fourth blown save of the season, now with 14 chances. The Dodgers will look to secure another victory with Tony Gonsolin (2-0, 4.05 ERA) set to start Saturday against Mets’ David Peterson (2-2, 2.86).