The 2024 MLB postseason is heating up as the Dodgers and Mets face off in Game 6 of the NLCS. The Mets kept their season alive by winning Game 5 at Citi Field, forcing this crucial matchup at Dodger Stadium. Now, they need another victory to push for a decisive Game 7 on Monday. Meanwhile, the Dodgers are eager to secure their spot in the World Series against the Yankees.
As both teams prepare for this pivotal game, there are key questions looming over each side. For the Dodgers, it’s all about figuring out how to handle Manaea on his second outing against them.
Dodgers: Can They Crack Manaea’s Code?
Since changing his pitching style in late July, Manaea has been a formidable force on the mound. In Game 2, he limited the Dodgers to three runs over five innings—though two of those runs came after he left the game with runners on base. His performance tends to dip when facing batters for a third time: initially strong with strikeouts and minimal hits but eventually faltering by walking key players like Mookie Betts and Teoscar Hernández.
This time around, fans might wonder if Manaea can maintain his edge or if he’ll stumble again during that critical third rotation through the lineup . The Mets have been strategic with their bullpen usage; expect them to be just as aggressive in Game 6.
Mets: Can Their Offense Repeat Game 5’s Success?
In an explosive display during Game 5, New York scored an impressive 12 runs after struggling offensively in earlier games of the series. Pete Alonso’s three-run homer set things off early, while Starling Marte and Francisco Lindor contributed significantly too. Supporting players like Jesse Winker and Francisco Alvarez also stepped up big time.
Fans hope this offensive surge continues into Game 6 because consistency was lacking before this breakout performance! With Los Angeles planning a bullpen game strategy, New York must replicate their recent success rather than fall back into previous patterns from Games 1-4.
“We’ve had really good swings,” said Alonso post-victory. “Things fell our way today; we’ll keep being gritty.”
As we head into another thrilling night of baseball action—what do you think will happen? Will it be another nail-biter or something unexpected?
