Pete Alonso hit a three-run homer early in the game to lead the New York Mets to a 12-6 victory over the Los Angeles Dodgers in Game 5 of the National League Championship Series. Starling Marte contributed with three doubles, four hits, and three RBIs, while Francisco Alvarez broke his slump with three hits, including an RBI single. The Mets extended the series by reducing their deficit to 3-2 and forcing the NLCS back to Los Angeles for Game 6.

Sean Manaea is anticipated to start for the Mets in Game 6 on five days’ rest, while the Dodgers are likely to rely on a bullpen game due to a depleted rotation caused by injuries. In a disappointing performance, Jack Flaherty of the Dodgers allowed eight runs and eight hits in just three innings after a strong outing in Game 1.

Alonso, who is set to become a free agent, came through once again with a pivotal home run to help keep the Mets alive in the playoffs. Flaherty struggled to contain the Mets’ offense, while the Dodgers tried to mount a comeback with home runs from Andy Pages and Mookie Betts but fell short as the Mets’ bullpen closed out the game.

The Mets did not strike out once in Game 5 after a rough game the night before. The Dodgers had All-Star 1B Freddie Freeman back in the lineup after he sat out a game with a sprained ankle. Mets’ Jeff McNeil, who returned to the roster for the NLCS after recovering from a broken wrist, contributed with two sacrifice flies in his first playoff start.

New York starter David Peterson struggled despite being given an 8-1 lead, and the Dodgers managed to cut the deficit to 10-6 before the Mets’ relievers Ryne Stanek and Edwin Díaz shut them down to secure the win. The series now heads back to Los Angeles for Game 6 with the Mets looking to further extend their playoff run.