The Los Angeles Dodgers failed on their first attempt to clinch the National League Championship Series and secure their spot in the World Series as the New York Mets were able to force a Game 6 back at Dodger Stadium.
The Dodgers had a chance to get on the board early and potentially take control of the game, but they left a pair of runners in scoring position in the first inning. Thus, it turned out to be the Mets that scored first and eventually run away with the game.
Shohei Ohtani started the first inning with a single and Mookie Betts doubled. Teoscar Hernández then grounded out, but Ohtani didn’t score on the play like he should have.
“Infield back, corners in, that’s the situation that Shohei’s got to go on the ball in the middle of the infield,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said after the loss.
“I think he just locked up there. It’s no excuse. But I do think that there’s some momentum part of it where they ended up getting out of that first inning and allowed to build some momentum as opposed to getting a 1-0 lead in the top of the first.”
After the Dodgers left their opportunity to score on the bases, the Mets answered with a three-run first inning. The Dodgers got one back on a wild pitch before the Mets went on to score two more to take a 5-1 lead.
Overall, the Dodgers’ offense had a solid day, scoring six runs, but the pitching staff was unable to contain New York. Jack Flaherty allowed eight runs in three innings before Brent Honeywell allowed four more while throwing 4.2 innings.
They now look to get back on track and clinch their spot in the World Series during Game 6 at Dodger Stadium on Sunday. Getting out in front to an early lead could prove to be important as the team that’s scored first has won each game in the series.
Francisco Lindor praises Shohei Ohtani
While Francisco Lindor and Ohtani have been pitted against each other for MVP consideration and now the NL pennant, Lindor has plenty of respect for Ohtani.
“I admire the ability to stay within himself,” Lindor said. “I mean, he’s a guy that, from day one, has had a lot of pressure on him. There’s been a lot of eyes and cameras on him, and his ability to stay within himself and to not get too big and to stay the course, that, to me, that’s brilliant.
“He’s done a fantastic job of everywhere he’s gone, he has managed to maneuver himself the right way. He plays the game the right way. I respect that. I feel like he respects his peers, whether they wear the same uniform, or the other uniform, and it’s been fun to watch him come into the league and become as good as he has.”
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