2024-10-21 11:05:02
LOS ANGELES – The Mets’ epic road through the 2024 season ended in Los Angeles.
After an unforeseen journey that included a number of memorable checkpoints, including Francisco Lindor’s grand slam in Atlanta and Pete Alonso’s go-ahead home run in Milwaukee, the Mets came up short in their quest to reach the World Series.
The Mets were sent home by the Dodgers in a 10-5 loss in Game 6 of the National League Championship Series in front of a sold-out crowd of 52,674 fans on Sunday night at Dodger Stadium.
The Mets’ run as dark horse was dashed by the Dodgers, the juggernauts of the National League, who won a major-league best 98 game during the regular season.
It sets up a heavyweight slugfest in the World Series between the Dodgers and Yankees, which begins on Friday night at Dodger Stadium.
It will be a Mets season remembered for the vibes created on their path back to relevance, from Jose Iglesias’ “OMG” to Grimace and the playoff pumpkin.
After forcing a Game 6 with a breakthrough 12-6 victory on Friday night, the Mets fell behind early against the Dodgers on Sunday and were finally unseated.
The Dodgers broke through for five runs off Sean Manaea, including four RBI by Tommy Edman on a two-run double and two-run home run, to take a 6-1 lead in the third inning.
The Mets could not get back within three runs from there, despite picking up a two-run home run from Mark Vientos that made it 6-3 in the top of the fourth inning. It was Vientos’ fifth home run of the playoffs and set a new Mets postseason record with 14 RBI.
The Dodgers’ knockout blow came in Kodai Senga’s second inning in relief as he gave up an RBI double to Mookie Betts, sacrifice fly to Teoscar Hernandez and RBI single to Kike Hernandez in the eighth inning.
Shohei Ohtani added an RBI single off Ryne Stanek in the sixth inning before Francisco Alvarez got the Mets back within 7-4 on a sacrifice fly in the seventh.
The Dodgers’ knockout blow came in Kodai Senga’s second inning in relief as he gave up an RBI double to Mookie Betts, sacrifice fly to Teoscar Hernandez and RBI single to Kike Hernandez in the eighth inning.
Here are all the updates from the Dodgers’ NLCS-clinching 10-5 victory over the Mets in Game 6 of the NLCS:
Dodgers tag Kodai Senga for three runs in eighth inning
The bell is tolling on the Mets’ season.
After a scoreless seventh inning, the top of the Dodgers’ lineup broke out against Kodai Senga.
After Chris Taylor knocked a leadoff single and Shohei Ohtani walked, Mookie Betts ripped an RBI single into the left-field corner and Teoscar Hernandez added a sacrifice fly and Kike Hernandez ripped an RBI single through the right side to give the Dodgers a 10-4 edge.
Francisco Alvarez knocks sac fly, Kodai Senga comes on in seventh
The Mets have two innings to try and overcome a 7-4 deficit or their season is over.
Francisco Alvarez added a sacrifice fly off Daniel Hudson in the top of the seventh inning to get the Mets within three runs. Then, Carlos Mendoza called upon Kodai Senga for his first relief appearance. Senga hit Max Muncy but then recorded three straight outs, including striking out Andy Pages on a forkball.
Dodgers break through for another run off Ryne Stanek
Carlos Mendoza made the aggressive move to call on Edwin Diaz in the fourth inning. Diaz did his job by picking up six outs with only one walk allowed.
But in the sixth inning, with Ryne Stanek on, the Dodgers picked up a bloop RBI single by Shohei Ohtani after a walk by Will Smith and sacrifice bunt by Chris Taylor. The Dodgers grew their lead to 7-3.
Mets strand three runners for second time in sixth inning
With the Mets trailing 6-3 entering the sixth inning, they had their best opportunity to get back in the game.
Francisco Alvarez knocked a leadoff single and then both Mark Vientos and Pete Alonso drew two-out walks to load the bases. But Jesse Winker knocked a shallow fly ball that was tracked down by Teoscar Hernandez to end the threat.
Through six innings, the Mets have left 11 runners on base.
Mark Vientos powers Mets back within three runs
There has been no hotter hitter in the Mets’ lineup than Mark Vientos.
The Mets third baseman continued his torrid playoff performance with a two-run home run off Ryan Brasier in the top of the fourth inning to get the Mets back within 6-3. Vientos’ fifth home run of the postseason helped him set a new Mets postseason franchise record with 14 RBI.
Tommy Edman, Will Smith belt two-run home runs in third
After ripping a two-run double in the first inning, Tommy Edman continued his roll against Mets pitching.
Teoscar Hernandez led off the bottom of the third inning with a single and then Edman ripped a two-run home run on a high fastball from Sean Manaea over the left-field wall. It was Edman’s first postseason home run and boost the Dodgers ahead 4-1.
Manaea was pulled after issuing a walk to Max Muncy. Will Smith cashed in with two outs against Phil Maton, plastering a two-run home run off Phil Maton to grow the Dodgers’ advantage to 6-1 after three innings.
Manaea finished with five earned runs allowed on six hits and two walks in two innings.
Mets stranded bases loaded in the third inning
After Pete Alonso drove an infield single to a hole in the left side, Dave Roberts called upon his lone lefty, Anthony Banda, to face Jesse Winker.
The Mets nearly picked up a big advantage as Winker walked and Tyrone Taylor was hit with two outs to load the bases. But Jeff McNeil struck out on a slider in the dirt in a big spot. The Dodgers still lead 2-1 midway through the third.
The Mets have left seven runners on base in the opening three innings.
Dodgers drive Sean Manaea’s pitch count up, jump ahead
Mets manager Carlos Mendoza was hoping for length from Sean Manaea to help a beleaguered bullpen, but the firsdt inning has not inspired confidence.
Manaea gave up singles to Shohei Ohtani and Teoscar Hernandez before Tommy Edman tagged a two-run double into the left field corner to boost the Dodgers ahead 2-1. Kike Hernandez drew an eight-pitch walk two batters later.
The Mets had Phil Maton warming quickly but Manaea got out of the jam with a pop-up into foul territory. The lefty threw 34 pitches in the opening inning.
Mets work Michael Kopech, strike first on Pete Alonso infield single
The Dodgers threw one of their best high-leverage relievers in Michael Kopech out for the opening inning but his wayward command came back to bite them.
Francisco Lindor drew a leadoff walk, moved to second on a wild pitch and third on a ground ball. The Mets shortstop scored on a broken bat squib by Pete Alonso that was thrown wide of first base by Chris Taylor. Alonso was credited with an RBI and the Mets lead 1-0 after the top of the first.
Mets announce NLCS Game 6 lineup
Dodgers announce NLCS Game 6 lineup
Mets vs Dodgers NLCS Game 6 time today
- Time: 8:08 p.m.
- Location: Dodger Stadium, Los Angeles
What channel is Mets vs Dodgers NLCS Game 5 on today?
TV: FS1
