The Los Angeles Dodgers faced a significant setback in their strategy, opting for a bullpen game despite having a rested starting pitcher available. This decision backfired as the New York Mets defeated the Dodgers 7-3, reversing the momentum as they headed home for Game 3.
With the National League Championship Series now tied at one game apiece, the Mets will return to Citifield, where they will host the next three games starting Tuesday. Mets manager Carlos Mendoza expressed excitement about playing in front of their home crowd, acknowledging the electric atmosphere created by fans during the playoffs.
The Mets, rejuvenated after their 9-0 loss in Game 1, came back strong, led by star player Francisco Lindor, who opened the game with a home run. Lindor’s enthusiasm for winning was echoed in his comments about their team aiming for lasting greatness.
The Mets quickly built a lead, thanks in part to a two-run double from Tyrone Taylor and an intentional walk to Lindor that set the stage for Mark Vientos. Vientos capitalized with a grand slam, extending the Mets’ lead to 6-0 in the second inning. His impressive postseason performance continued, placing him just shy of the franchise record for RBIs.
Dodgers pitcher Sean Manaea maintained control for most of the game, limiting the damage despite some defensive errors in later innings. The Dodgers managed to cut into the lead, scoring three runs, but their attempts to rally were thwarted when Edwin Diaz struck out key players in the ninth inning.
The Dodgers are now refocusing their strategy, planning to deploy traditional starting pitchers for the upcoming games, including Walker Buehler and Yoshinobu Yamamoto.
Overall, the Mets demonstrated resilience and execution at critical moments, setting the stage for an intense continuation of the series.