The Los Angeles Dodgers find themselves one win away from a trip to the 2024 World Series. They have been playing almost-perfect baseball and completely outmatched the New York Mets so far in the National League Championship Series.
They hold a 3-1 series lead over the Mets, and teams that go up as such in the LCS have advanced to the World Series roughly 85% of the time.
However, that means teams have still failed to reach the World Series when holding that type of advantage, and the Dodgers are focused on not becoming part of that small group.
“Every play is big,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said. “I think that Carlos (Mendoza) would like to have some plays back on their side, some at-bats. I’d love to have some defensive plays back, we didn’t convert some outs that cost some pitches.
“But, yeah, we don’t want to give these guys any momentum. We feel good, we’ve got some momentum and we’ve got to continue to come out with some intent tomorrow.”
The Dodgers backed that up by deciding on Jack Flaherty starting Game 5, rather than going with a bullpen game or using Landon Knack or Ben Casparius to eat innings. Flaherty started Game 1 and picked up the win, and he now looks to send his hometown team to the Fall Classic.
“I think that he gives us the best chance to win,” Roberts said. “It’s regular (rest), we have our full slew of guys behind him, and there’s a sense of urgency to win this game tomorrow.”
The Dodgers overcame a 3-1 deficit in the 2020 NLCS against the Atlanta Braves, so they know very well that it’s possible to pull off. They also just overcame a 2-1 deficit during the NL Division Series against the San Diego Padres.
A Mets’ win in Game 5 would still leave them in a difficult, but possible, spot to pull off an upset of their own. The Dodgers would likely have to utilize a bullpen game and Walker Buehler if the series returns to Dodger Stadium.
The Dodgers are treating Game 5 almost as do-or-die, and with that mentality, they may soon find themselves back in the World Series.
Dodgers World Series tickets on sale
Dodgers tickets for potential 2024 World Series games at Dodger Stadium went on sale to the general public Thursday morning. Fans also can purchase parking in advance.
If the Dodgers eliminate the Mets and advance to the 2024 World Series, they would host Games 1 and 2.
If necessary, Games 6 and 7 of the World Series would be played at Dodger Stadium as well because the Dodgers finished with the best record in baseball and thus secured home-field advantage throughout the entire postseason.
When the World Series begins still is not fully decided. If both LCS conclude no later than Saturday, then Game 1 of the World Series would be moved up to Tuesday, Oct. 22.
Otherwise, the Fall Classic is scheduled to begin Friday, Oct. 25.
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