Mets Outslug The Dodgers To Stay Alive And Force A Game 6!

CJ GUNTHER. Shutterstock Images.

The Mets finally figured out a way to stop the relentless Dodgers lineup. Just score a fuckton of runs and don't strike out at all.

This was not a particularly well played game. It was as ugly as you'd expect a 12-6 game to be but in the eyes of desperate Mets fan, the game might as well have been Sydney Sweeney (or if you're a little older Jennifer Connelly).

There really were a bunch of good moments. Pete Alonso golf balled a ball to dead center and somehow had 4 runs scored. Jesse Winker and Francisco Lindor each had triples which was the first time in Mets history that the Mets had two triples in the same playoff game. Starling Marte went out had had 4 hits (including 3 doubles). Finally, Francisco Alvarez who looked beyond lost this entire season, looked like he did last month and went 3 for 4.

So where does that leave the Mets and Dodgers for the rest of this series? The Dodgers had to leave Brent Honeywell out there to throw 67 pitches because they are going to throw a bullpen game for Game 6. The Mets on the other hand have their ace Sean Manaea on the hill. On the other hand, the Mets have three relievers they trust (Reed Garrett, Ryne Stank and Edwin Diaz) and had to use all of them tonight. 

From a Mets fan perspective, it's so nice to see them not get swept at home and have the season end at Citi Field. In true 2024 Mets fashion, they don't give up. Pete Alonso hitting a home run in a game that had them at Death's door. It's impressive how no matter how unlikely the situation is, they don't quit.  If the magical run does end earlier than I may want, it certainly will not be for a lack of effort. 

Luke Hales. Getty Images.

So much of that is because of Carlos Mendoza. This is a guy I didn't want the Mets to hire at all. When the team was spiraling out of control in May and Jorge Lopez said we were the worst team in baseball, I thought this guy was totally overmatched. Instead, he's done a fantastic job. He made a couple moves in the lineup today by putting in Jesse Winker and Jeff McNeil but also leaving Francisco Alvarez in. This is the first time I can remember as a Mets fan where they have really good stewardship. They have a great owner who is willing to spend, a GM with a proven track record and a manager that has been elite this season.

Now the Mets play on Sunday night with the season on the line yet again. I have no problem saying the Dodgers have a more talented roster than the Mets. But it's not by a lot and the Dodgers have a bullpen game for Game 6. You know the 2004 Red Sox speech. The Mets are halfway there now and they have the pitching advantage. If they can get to Game 7, anything can happen.

Ya Gotta Believe.