Thrilling Mets Victory Forces Game 6 Against Dodgers in National League Championship Series

The New York Mets achieved a remarkable victory against the Los Angeles Dodgers in Game 5 of the National League Championship Series, with a performance that included a sensational home run by first baseman Pete Alonso. The game, held Friday evening, saw the Mets win decisively, forcing a Game 6 back in Los Angeles.

Alonso’s unexpected three-run homer, described as an improbable hit, came off a low slider from Dodgers pitcher Jack Flaherty, traveling 432 feet to deep center field. “I was just looking for something over the middle of the plate,” Alonso explained. “I didn’t really realize how low the pitch was. I got caught a little out front … Honestly, it’s inexplainable. It’s the magic of the postseason.” This striking moment set the pace for the Mets’ offense, which recorded 14 hits without a single strikeout, a rare feat not seen since the 2002 World Series.

Dodgers pitcher Jack Flaherty struggled notably, lasting only three innings after previously shutting out the Mets in Game 1. Mets manager Carlos Mendoza credited their success to disciplined batting. “We didn’t chase his secondary pitches,” Mendoza said. “And when he came in the zone with his fastball, we were ready, and that’s the key.”

Post-game, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts confided that Flaherty was not feeling optimal, noting a decrease in his pitching velocity due to unspecified ailments. “He wasn’t sharp, clearly,” Roberts remarked. “He’s been fighting something. He’s been under the weather a little bit,” with his average fastball falling from 92.6 mph in Game 1 to 91.4 mph in Game 5.

The Mets showcased strong offensive contributions from players like Starling Marte, who commented, “When it comes to hitting, at that point you just have to rely on capitalizing on the mistakes that the pitcher makes.” The team’s resilience was especially evident as they countered every Dodgers scoring attempt, sealing the game with contributions from various players including Marte and Alonso.

Mets shortstop Francisco Lindor reflected on the team’s improved performance compared to their Game 4 loss. “The quality of at-bats that we had,” he mentioned, underlining their complete shift in approach during crucial at-bats. In Game 5, they went 5-for-19 with runners in scoring positions.

In terms of pitching strategy, the Mets maximized their bullpen, with relievers such as Ryne Stanek pitching longer stints to maintain their advantage. “You know you have to go [longer], so you try to restrain yourself a little bit and try to keep as even as keel as possible,” stated Stanek, expressing satisfaction with his role in the game.

Determined to overcome setbacks, the Mets will head into Game 6 with Carlos Carrasco set to pitch on five days’ rest, whereas the Dodgers are expected to run a bullpen strategy. Speaking on the Mets’ tenacity, their designated hitter noted, “We’ve had our backs against the wall all season. Why should this be any different?”