Mets Manager Shakes Up Lineup in Pivotal NLCS Game 5
New York Mets manager Carlos Mendoza is pulling out all the stops to get his team back on track in the National League Championship Series. With the Mets trailing 3-1 against the Los Angeles Dodgers, Mendoza is making some bold moves to spark his offense in Game 5.
A New Look for the Mets’ Lineup
Mendoza is starting four left-handed hitters, including second baseman Jeff McNeil and designated hitter Jesse Winker, in an effort to give the Dodgers a different look. This marks McNeil’s first postseason start this month, and he’s replacing Jose Iglesias in the lineup. Iglesias has managed just one hit in every game of the series, but Mendoza wants to keep the Dodgers guessing.
Flaherty’s Challenge Awaits
Dodgers starter Jack Flaherty has proven to be a formidable opponent, shutting out the Mets over seven innings in Game 1. Mendoza is aware that Flaherty was tougher against lefties during the regular season, but he’s hoping that facing him again will give his team an edge. “This is a game of adjustments,” Mendoza said. “We saw him recently, but he also saw our hitters. So he’s got a good feel for what we’re trying to do.”
Execution is Key
The Mets’ biggest challenge lies in executing at the plate with men on base. In their Game 4 loss, they managed 10 hits and three walks but only scored two runs. Shortstop Francisco Lindor knows that his team needs to learn from their mistakes. “We have to learn from that,” he said after the 10-2 loss.
Dodgers’ Freeman Returns to Lineup
Meanwhile, Dodgers first baseman Freddie Freeman is back in the starting lineup after sitting out Game 4 with a sore ankle. His return adds another layer of complexity to the Mets’ strategy, but Mendoza is confident that his team can adapt.
A Must-Win Game for the Mets
With their backs against the wall, the Mets need to win Game 5 to stay alive in the series. Mendoza’s lineup changes are a calculated risk, but he believes it’s necessary to push across a few more runs. Will it pay off? Only time will tell.
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