The New York Mets are facing a daunting challenge in the National League Championship Series as they were defeated by the Los Angeles Dodgers 10-2 on Thursday night. With this loss, the Dodgers have taken a commanding 3-1 lead in the best-of-seven series and stand just one victory away from reaching the World Series.
The Mets, who finished the season strong with a 67-40 record, now find themselves in desperate need of a miracle to keep their postseason hopes alive. Mets manager Carlos Mendoza acknowledged his team’s resilience but recognized the overwhelming strength of the Dodgers. “They have that grit. They fight and they’re not going to give up. They’re going to continue to play,” Mendoza stated.
However, the Mets have struggled to maintain any momentum throughout the series, as the Dodgers have showcased their offensive prowess and a dominant pitching staff. Notable performances included Shohei Ohtani hitting a home run and Mookie Betts achieving four hits, including a homer and four RBIs. Max Muncy set a postseason record with 12 consecutive times on base, and the Dodgers’ offensive unit drew 31 walks, showcasing their control of the game.
Mets starter Jose Quintana had a challenging outing, lasting only 3 ⅔ innings and allowing five runs. He had previously demonstrated strong performances with a 0.57 ERA in his last eight starts but could not stop the Dodgers’ momentum. The Mets are now 0-for-6 with runners in scoring position during this crucial game, reflecting their struggles at the plate.
The game saw significant moments, including Betts’ two-run double that extended the Dodgers’ lead to 5-2 and a homer from Mookie Betts that further distanced the Dodgers from the Mets. The double by Tommy Edman in the eighth inning ultimately pushed the score to 10-2.
The Dodgers’ pitching was equally impressive, with starter Yoshinobu Yamamoto striking out eight batters in just over four innings. Dodgers relievers continued to perform well under pressure, successfully escaping a bases-loaded situation without allowing a run.
As the series continues, the Mets are left searching for ways to shift the momentum back in their favor, while the Dodgers are poised to claim the NLCS title and advance to the World Series.