Following a disappointing performance in Game 1 of the NLCS, where they allowed nine runs, the Mets’ pitching staff rebounded impressively in Game 2, limiting the powerful Dodgers lineup to just three runs and securing a victory.
Starting pitcher Sean Manaea delivered a strong outing, striking out seven batters and throwing five innings. The bullpen took over in the sixth inning amidst a bases-loaded situation. Phil Maton, Ryne Stanek, and Edwin Diaz combined for 1.1 innings of work, successfully navigating the threat while holding the heart of the Dodgers lineup hitless—recording a collective 0-for-19 with five walks against the formidable hitters, which included Shohei Ohtani, Mookie Betts, Teoscar Hernandez, Freddie Freeman, and Will Smith.
Manaea notably struck out Ohtani twice and limited him to a 0-for-3 performance with two walks. Reflecting on the achievement, Manaea maintained that his focus remained on performing his job effectively rather than getting caught up in individual accomplishments.
“It’s great, he’s just one of the guys in the lineup,” Manaea stated. “I’m just trying to do my job and put up zeros. Obviously, he’s very talented, so I’m just trying to get on to the next guy and do my job.”
The Mets surged to a powerful 6-0 lead in the second inning, largely thanks to Mark Vientos’ grand slam. Manaea acknowledged that the offensive support was appreciated but emphasized that it didn’t alter his approach on the mound.
“It doesn’t really change anything, still just trying to attack guys and get ahead and go right after them,” Manaea said. “With a big lead like that, it just makes it so you can breathe a little bit. Not trying to do too much. Definitely helps out a lot.”
After going into the eighth inning with a 6-3 advantage and two runners on base, manager Carlos Mendoza decided to bring in closer Edwin Diaz to secure the last four outs. Diaz swiftly retired Enrique Hernández to end the eighth after throwing four consecutive sliders.
“I just was following Alvy [Francisco Alvarez],” Diaz explained post-game. “I was feeling good with my slider today. I think I threw it really good in the bullpen. I just follow him, made good pitches, and got the out in the eighth.”
Diaz encountered some difficulties in the ninth when he allowed a single and walked Ohtani but managed to refocus and use his fastball effectively to record the final three outs.
“We are winning by four runs, I get some traffic, the blooper, and then the walk to Ohtani,” Diaz noted. “Then I say I got to keep trusting my stuff. My fastball was really good today. We started throwing it and we got outs.”
He elaborated on the effectiveness of his fastball, stating, “It’s really good, good life. I have a lot of good life in my fastball; it feels really, really good. I think that’s the pitch that can get me out of trouble. I will keep throwing it.”
Diaz echoed Manaea’s sentiment regarding his approach against high-caliber hitters like Ohtani, maintaining that he has confidence in his abilities. Ohtani’s record against Diaz now stands at 0-for-4 in their matchups.
“My last two ABs against him, I’ve walked him, but at the same time, I try to challenge him,” Diaz remarked. “He’s one of the best in the league, but I got really good stuff. I trust my stuff always against any hitters. To him, I just go after him. Hit the ball; if you get to two strikes, I will try to make you chase.”
With the NLCS now tied at 1-1 and heading back to New York for Games 3 to 5, both Diaz and the Mets are optimistic about continuing their momentum at Citi Field.
“Personally, I feel great; got a W here in LA,” Diaz said. “Going back home, play three more games there, we have a chance to take the series at home…. Just continue what we’re doing and we’ll be fine.”