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Dodgers advance to the World Series against the Yankees after dominating the Mets in the NLCS finale.

Posted on by Goldteelic
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21
Oct
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LOS ANGELES — The Los Angeles Dodgers kicked off their season in South Korea amidst a gambling scandal involving Shohei Ohtani’s interpreter and endured a summer plagued by injuries, with their entire starting rotation sidelined. Yet, on Sunday night, they celebrated at Dodger Stadium as “I Love LA” echoed through the speakers.

For the fourth time in eight years, the Dodgers are heading to the World Series after clinching the National League pennant by defeating the New York Mets 10-5, winning the NLCS 4-2.

They will face the New York Yankees in the World Series, delivering MLB’s dream LA-NY showdown, starting Friday night at Dodger Stadium. “It’s been a fun ride,” said Dodgers manager Dave Roberts. “Our guys are focused, hungry, and ready to compete.”

Roberts expressed his gratitude for the people around him, especially the players, and emphasized the importance of savoring these moments. The fans stayed in their seats long after the game, soaking in the celebration instead of rushing to beat the traffic.

Dodgers infielder Enrique Hernandez praised the home crowd, calling their support a key motivator. “Our fan base travels better than any in baseball, and celebrating this win with them at home means everything to us.”

The Dodgers are chasing their first parade since 1988. Though they won the World Series in 2020, it was during the pandemic at a neutral site, and the usual festivities were replaced with mask handouts.

After defeating the San Diego Padres in the Division Series, the Dodgers felt confident they would reach the World Series, even though the loss of starter Tyler Glasnow in mid-September left them scrambling to adjust their rotation.

“Everyone was panicking after the injuries,” said left fielder Teoscar Hernandez. “It was the only time we felt down as a team.”

Roberts rarely holds meetings, but he gathered the team to deliver a pivotal message, urging them to believe in themselves. That belief carried the Dodgers through the remainder of the regular season, the Division Series, the NLCS, and now into the World Series.

“The one meeting changed everything,” said Teoscar Hernandez. “We realized we’re still the Dodgers, capable of doing special things.”

Key trades, including the acquisition of Tommy Edman from the St. Louis Cardinals, further strengthened the team. Edman not only took over as the starting shortstop but also earned NLCS MVP honors, driving in a franchise-record 11 runs in the series.

The NLCS was a lopsided affair, with each game decided by four or more runs, and Sunday’s finale was the only one with a lead change. The Dodgers used seven relief pitchers to secure the win despite a shaky start from Michael Kopech. Mets starter Sean Manaea, who had dominated Game 2, was knocked out after just two innings, allowing six hits and five earned runs.

“We were more patient this time around,” said Enrique Hernandez. “We kept the line moving, and it worked.”

Now, the Dodgers move on to the World Series, though they have just three healthy starting pitchers—Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Jack Flaherty, and Walker Buehler—and an injured Freddie Freeman, who missed his second consecutive start.

“I don’t like excuses,” Roberts said. “The players believe they’re the best, and that’s what matters.”

Dodgers extend lead to 10-4 heading into the ninth
The Dodgers are closing in on a World Series berth after adding three runs in the eighth inning, pushing their lead to 10-4. Chris Taylor and Shohei Ohtani got on base to start the inning, and Mookie Betts followed with a double, driving in a run. Teoscar Hernandez then hit a sacrifice fly, scoring Ohtani. Tommy Edman reached on a fielder’s choice, and Max Muncy drew a walk, setting up Enrique Hernandez, who hit a single through the right side to bring in another run. The Dodgers are just three outs away from securing their spot in the World Series.

Blake Treinen shuts down the Mets, Dodgers three outs away from the World Series
Reliever Blake Treinen was dominant in the eighth inning, striking out the heart of the Mets lineup—Brandon Nimmo, Mark Vientos, and Pete Alonso. The Dodgers are now just three outs from advancing to the World Series.

Mets cut into the lead in the seventh inning
The Mets fought back in the seventh, with Francisco Alvarez hitting a sacrifice fly to score Tyrone Taylor, making it a 7-4 game. Taylor and Jeff McNeil had reached base with back-to-back singles earlier in the inning.

Ohtani’s clutch hit gives Dodgers 7-3 lead
Shohei Ohtani delivered again, driving in a run with a hit to center field after battling to a full count. His hit allowed Will Smith to score, extending the Dodgers’ lead to 7-3.

Mets miss another opportunity, leaving bases loaded
The Mets’ struggles with runners in scoring position continued in the sixth inning when they left the bases loaded. After Francisco Alvarez singled and two batters drew walks, Jesse Winker popped out, keeping the score at 6-3 Dodgers. The Mets are now 1-for-8 with runners in scoring position, having stranded 11 runners.

Vientos homers to cut Dodgers’ lead to 6-3
Mark Vientos kept the Mets alive with a two-run homer in the fifth inning, cutting the Dodgers’ lead to 6-3. It was Vientos’ fifth home run of the postseason, driving in Francisco Alvarez, who had reached base earlier.

Will Smith extends Dodgers’ lead with two-run homer
Will Smith sent Dodger Stadium into a frenzy with a two-run home run in the fourth inning, giving the Dodgers a 6-1 lead. This was the second two-run shot of the inning after Tommy Edman’s homer.

Tommy Edman continues hot streak with two-run homer
Tommy Edman added to his NLCS MVP case with a two-run homer in the third inning, extending the Dodgers’ lead to 4-1. Edman, who already had a two-run double earlier in the game, now has 11 RBIs in the series, tying a Dodgers postseason record.

Mets leave bases loaded, still trail 2-1
The Mets squandered another scoring chance in the third inning, leaving the bases loaded. Jeff McNeil struck out with the bases full, ending the inning without adding to their run total.

Edman’s two-run double puts Dodgers in the lead
Tommy Edman gave the Dodgers a 2-1 lead in the second inning with a two-run double, driving in Shohei Ohtani and Teoscar Hernandez.

Mets capitalize on error to take early lead
The Mets got on the board in the first inning after Francisco Lindor scored on an error by Dodgers second baseman Chris Taylor. Despite the early run, the Dodgers quickly regained control of the game.

Michael Kopech gets the start for Dodgers in Game 6
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts opted to start Michael Kopech for Game 6, trusting him to put up a strong first inning. Kopech has been one of the team’s best relievers since arriving from the White Sox, and Roberts believed he gave the Dodgers their best chance at starting the game with a zero on the scoreboard.

Freddie Freeman out of Game 6 lineup
Dodgers first baseman Freddie Freeman missed Game 6 due to an ongoing injury. Manager Dave Roberts explained that Freeman wasn’t feeling like himself and that they decided to give him another day of rest, potentially using him as a pinch hitter later in the game.

Goldteelic

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