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Mets Bank on Sean Manaea Stopping Dodgers in Game 6
As the National League Championship Series (NLCS) approaches a crucial Game 6 this Sunday, the New York Mets are leaning on left-handed pitcher Sean Manaea to extend their season against the formidable Los Angeles Dodgers. With the Dodgers ahead in the best-of-seven series at 3-2, the Mets find themselves in a win-or-go-home predicament as they take the field at Dodger Stadium.
Manaea’s Impressive Postseason Performance
The Mets are counting on Manaea, who has surfaced as a key asset for their pitching roster throughout this series. In Game 2, Manaea showcased his skills by yielding only two earned runs on two hits over more than five innings in a 7-3 Mets triumph in Los Angeles. His postseason ERA is currently at 2.65, and he has effectively restrained the Dodgers’ explosive lineup, fanning seven batters in that outing, including two strikeouts against the imposing Shohei Ohtani.
Manaea’s achievements stem from fine-tuning his mechanics, particularly by lowering his arm angle and enhancing his changeup, which has proved instrumental in keeping hitters guessing. As he gears up for Game 6, Manaea conveys a sense of assurance while recognizing the late-season weariness.
“I’m not aiming to alter anything or push myself harder. I’ll give what I can, and that’s all I can do,” Manaea remarked on Saturday.
Mets Offense Aims to Carry Game 5 Momentum
The Mets’ batting lineup came alive in Game 5, fighting off elimination with 14 hits and five walks in a 12-6 victory against the Dodgers. Pete Alonso ignited the offense early with a three-run homer in the first inning, and the Mets maintained their lead thereafter.
Starling Marte spearheaded the attack with four hits, while Francisco Alvarez contributed three; Alonso, Francisco Lindor, and Jesse Winker added two hits apiece. Collectively, these five players accounted for nine of the team’s 12 runs, providing the Mets with the offensive surge they had desperately sought in the series.
“Survive today, and we did,” Alonso expressed following the win. “We’re really, really thrilled about the opportunity ahead.”
Dodgers to Utilize Bullpen Strategy in Game 6
Facing limited options in starting rotation, the Dodgers are set to implement another bullpen game for Game 6. Manager Dave Roberts has employed this approach before, yielding varied outcomes. The Dodgers’ bullpen delivered a shutout against the San Diego Padres in Game 4 of the NL Division Series (NLDS), but in Game 2 of the NLCS, they permitted seven runs on 11 hits and seven walks in a setback against the Mets.
Los Angeles’ bullpen enters Game 6 well-prepared. Brent Honeywell Jr. pitched a career-high 4 2/3 innings in Game 5, allowing Roberts to conserve his primary high-leverage relievers, including lefty Anthony Banda, who only threw two pitches on Friday. Roberts feels confident in his bullpen heading into this elimination matchup, though he hasn’t disclosed who will take the mound.
“I believe we’re in an excellent position to prevent runs,” Roberts stated. “I don’t think we’ve overexerted our high-leverage arms at all.”
Dodgers’ Power Hitters Seeking a Comeback
Despite their offensive strength, the Dodgers face several challenges at the plate. Freddie Freeman, battling a sprained right ankle, went hitless in Game 5 and has just one hit in his last 15 at-bats. Freeman missed Game 4 and is classified as a game-time decision for Sunday.
Teoscar Hernandez is experiencing a substantial slump, going 0-for-18 in his last at-bats, while Will Smith has struggled through the postseason, holding a .143 batting average.
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While several Dodgers stars have cooled down, Shohei Ohtani and Mookie Betts are swinging hot bats. Ohtani has hit 4-for-11 with two home runs, five walks, and five runs scored over the last three games, while Betts has heated up after a slow start, hitting 6-for-10 with two homers and five RBIs in the last two contests.
“We’re still putting runs on the board,” Freeman commented. “Mookie is Mookie, Shohei is Shohei, and Max (Muncy) looks fantastic out there. If a couple of other guys like me and Teo get going, we’ve got a real shot.”
What’s on the Line in Game 6
For the Mets, the stakes are clear: win or exit. With their season hanging in the balance, they will require another stellar performance from Manaea and ongoing offensive support from their key hitters like Alonso and Marte.
Conversely, the Dodgers aim to wrap up the series on their home turf and evade the tension of a possible Game 7. While their offensive capabilities have been impressive, they will need a strong showing from their bullpen on Sunday to secure the NL pennant and make a return to the World Series.
