NEW YORK — Pete Alonso launched a pivotal three-run home run early in the game, and the New York Mets decisively defeated the Los Angeles Dodgers 12-6 in Game 5 of the National League Championship Series on Friday, keeping their championship hopes alive.
Starling Marte was a standout performer for the Mets, contributing three doubles, four hits, and driving in three runs. Francisco Alvarez found his rhythm again with three hits, including an RBI single during a hefty five-run third inning. Additionally, both Francisco Lindor and Jesse Winker made significant impacts by hitting RBI triples.
After suffering significant defeats in three of the first four games, including back-to-back losses at home, the wild-card Mets managed to spark a comeback with Alonso’s three-run blast. This victory not only reduced their series deficit to 3-2 but also set the stage for a Game 6 back in Los Angeles on Sunday.
Sean Manaea is anticipated to take the mound for New York, benefiting from five days of rest. In contrast, the Dodgers are likely to depend on their bullpen due to a depleted rotation as a result of injuries.
Jack Flaherty, aiming to lead his hometown team to the World Series, had a disappointing outing. After an impressive Game 1 where he threw seven shutout innings, Flaherty fell behind early, with Alonso hitting a low slider 432 feet to center for his fourth postseason home run.
Alonso’s performance was crucial, as he also hit a game-changing home run to thwart elimination during the Wild Card Series against the Milwaukee Brewers. Once again, he stepped up for the Mets in this crucial matchup.
Flaherty’s struggles were evident; he surrendered eight runs and eight hits over just three innings without recording a single strikeout, a first for him since a September 2022 game.
After experiencing a challenging night in which they struck out 12 times, the Mets made a remarkable turnaround and did not strike out at all in Game 5.
Starting pitcher David Peterson had a comfortable lead but could not finish the fourth inning after the Mets jumped ahead 8-1. On the Dodgers’ side, rookie Andy Pages shone with two home runs and four RBIs, while Mookie Betts also contributed with a home run for the second consecutive game, tightening the score to 10-6.
However, the Mets’ relief pitchers, Ryne Stanek and Edwin Díaz, eventually regained control of the game. Stanek claimed the victory after pitching 2 1/3 innings, a personal best, while Díaz added six scoreless outs to seal the deal.
In terms of player status, Dodgers first baseman Freddie Freeman made his return after missing two postseason games due to a severely sprained right ankle. Manager Dave Roberts opted against resting Freeman again against a lefty, asserting the need to field the strongest team possible.
For the Mets, Jeff McNeil made his playoff debut at second base, replacing slumping Jose Iglesias. McNeil, who had been sidelined with a wrist injury, recorded two sacrifice flies in his first outing but had been unsuccessful in his prior pinch-hitting attempts.
Looking ahead, Manaea (12-6, 3.47 ERA), who has a 2-0 record with a 2.65 ERA in three playoff starts, including a win in Game 2, is set to return to the mound.
