Mets Force Game 6 with Thrilling 12-6 Victory Over Dodgers
In a must-win situation, the New York Mets rose to the occasion, hammering out a convincing 12-6 win over the Los Angeles Dodgers in Game 5 of the National League Championship Series. Pete Alonso’s early three-run homer set the tone, and the Mets never looked back, forcing a Game 6 showdown in Los Angeles on Sunday.
Alonso’s Homer Sparks Mets’ Offense
Alonso’s blast, his fourth of the postseason, traveled 432 feet to center field, giving the Mets a 3-0 lead just four batters into the game. The star slugger, poised to become a prized free agent this fall, has a knack for delivering in high-pressure situations. This marks the second time this postseason Alonso has gone deep to help extend his team’s season.
Marte and Alvarez Break Out
Starling Marte had a monster game, collecting three doubles, four hits, and three RBIs. Francisco Alvarez, meanwhile, broke out of a slump with three hits, including an RBI single in a five-run third inning. The Mets’ offense was firing on all cylinders, with Francisco Lindor and Jesse Winker each contributing an RBI triple.
Historic Performance
The Mets’ 12 runs were just one shy of matching their most in a postseason game in franchise history (13 in Game 3 of the 2015 NL Division Series against the Dodgers). Moreover, they became the first team to score 12 runs in a postseason game while facing elimination.
Dodgers’ Flaherty Falters
Jack Flaherty, who threw seven shutout innings in Game 1, struggled mightily in Game 5. He allowed eight runs and eight hits in just three innings, failing to strike out a single batter for the first time since September 2022.
Mets’ Pitching Staff Rises to the Occasion
David Peterson started strong but was unable to make it through the fourth inning. However, relievers Ryne Stanek and Edwin Díaz stepped up, with Stanek working a career-high 2⅓ innings for the victory and Díaz earning six outs without surrendering a run.
What’s Next?
The series now shifts back to Los Angeles, where Sean Manaea is expected to start for the Mets on five days’ rest. The Dodgers, meanwhile, will likely opt for another bullpen game due to their thin rotation, decimated by injuries. Can the Mets ride their newfound momentum to force a Game 7?
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