LOS ANGELES — Michael Kopech is set to take the mound as the starting pitcher for Game 6 of the National League Championship Series, where the Los Angeles Dodgers aim to secure their 25th NL pennant, a record-breaking achievement. The right-handed pitcher will initiate the bullpen strategy at Dodger Stadium against the New York Mets, who are currently facing a 3-2 deficit in the best-of-seven series.
Dodgers’ manager Dave Roberts expressed confidence in this strategy, stating, “We believe this gives us the best chance to keep the Mets scoreless in the first inning and then carry on from there. We have plans to utilize multiple pitchers throughout the game.” Kopech’s last game was on Wednesday in Game 3, where he excelled with a win, delivering a scoreless inning by striking out one. Over the course of his appearances in the playoffs, he has been impressive, yielding only one hit and two walks while accumulating six strikeouts in a total of 4 1/3 scoreless innings.
Acquired from the Chicago White Sox during the July trade deadline in a three-team trade, Kopech has made a notable impact since joining the Dodgers. In his time with the team, he has pitched in 24 games, boasting an undefeated record of 4-0 along with an impressive 1.13 ERA, 29 strikeouts, and six saves in 24 innings pitched. He is among several well-rested relievers on the Dodgers’ roster heading into this crucial game.
In other lineup news, All-Star first baseman Freddie Freeman is expected to miss the game due to a sprained right ankle, which has hindered his performance. Max Muncy will step in to fill the role and bat fifth in Freeman’s absence. Manager Roberts mentioned, “It was a collective decision that allowing him another day to recover would be the best course of action. He hasn’t been playing at his usual level.” The team is hopeful that this strategy will propel them to victory and secure their place in the series.