Introduction to the Game
Teoscar Hernández led off the 13th inning with an RBI double and the Los Angeles Dodgers outlasted the New York Mets 7-5 in a wild rematch of last year’s National League Championship Series on a rainy Friday night at Citi Field.
The Game’s Turning Points
As the clock approached midnight, New York tied it with three runs in the ninth off closer Tanner Scott. Jeff McNeil laced a two-run triple and Tyrone Taylor followed with an RBI single to make it 5-all, sending hardy fans left in a crowd of 40,449 into a frenzy after they waited out a 98-minute rain delay in the third.
A Game of Missed Opportunities
But the Mets squandered chance after chance to win over the final five innings — sometimes with their best hitters at the plate — and Los Angeles finally broke through in the 13th against Huascar Brazobán (3-1), the ninth New York pitcher.
The Winning Plays
Automatic runner Will Smith scored from second on the double by Hernández, who also had an early two-run single. Hernández scrambled to third on Hyeseong Kim’s single and came home on Andy Pages’ sacrifice fly to make it 7-5.
The Winning Team’s Performance
Luis García (2-0) pitched 2 1/3 hitless innings for the win, raising his arms on the mound when center fielder Tommy Edman made a sliding catch at 12:56 a.m. for the final out of a game that took 4 hours, 8 minutes – not including the rain delay.
Post-Game Activities
Moments later, a message on the giant videoboard reminded fans to stick around for the fireworks show that followed.
Team Statistics
Smith, Pages and Max Muncy each had an RBI single for the Dodgers, who won the 2024 NLCS in six games on the way to their eighth World Series title. Los Angeles is 20-5 at Citi Field since 2017, including the postseason.
The Opponent’s Performance
Brett Baty homered for the Mets, who have lost six of eight. Pete Alonso was gifted a sacrifice fly on an unusual play in the fourth.
Unusual Plays
It appeared Hernández threw out Starling Marte at the plate with a strong peg from right field, but third base umpire Tripp Gibson called obstruction on Muncy at third base for blocking Marte’s view of Hernández making the catch.
The Starting Pitcher’s Performance
Clayton Kershaw’s second start for the Dodgers this season since coming off the injured list was cut short by the rain delay in the top of the third.
Key Moments
Mets rookie Luisangel Acuña stranded the potential winning run at third base in the ninth and 11th.
Key Stat
Scott was handed his fourth blown save in 14 chances this season.
Up Next
Dodgers RHP Tony Gonsolin (2-0, 4.05 ERA) makes his fifth start of the season Saturday night against LHP David Peterson (2-2, 2.86).
Conclusion
The game was a thrilling rematch of last year’s National League Championship Series, with the Dodgers ultimately emerging victorious in a long and wild game. The team’s ability to capitalize on the Mets’ missed opportunities and come out on top in the 13th inning was a testament to their endurance and skill.
FAQs
Q: Who led off the 13th inning with an RBI double?
A: Teoscar Hernández led off the 13th inning with an RBI double.
Q: What was the final score of the game?
A: The final score was 7-5 in favor of the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Q: How long did the game take to complete?
A: The game took 4 hours and 8 minutes to complete, not including the rain delay.
Q: Who pitched the final 2 1/3 innings for the win?
A: Luis García pitched the final 2 1/3 innings for the win.
