LA Dodgers win on Thursday Night helps them to take a 3-1 lead in the 2024 NLCS. They’re just one win away from the title. Watch Game 5 live on October 18 at 5:08 PM ET on FOX/FS1.
The Los Angeles Dodgers hold a 3-1 lead in the 2024 NLCS after Game 4, needing just one more victory to clinch the series and secure their spot in the World Series. The New York Mets, however, are fighting to extend their postseason hopes. NLCS Game 5 is scheduled for October 18 at Citi Field, New York, making it a critical showdown for both teams.
NLCS 2024 Series Overview After Four Games
The 2024 National League Championship Series is intensifying as the Los Angeles Dodgers position themselves favourably, leading the series 3-1. With ace Jack Flaherty set to pitch in Game 5, the Dodgers aim to secure a spot in the World Series. Meanwhile, the New York Mets, known for their resilience, face a formidable challenge. Recent games have showcased the Dodgers’ offensive power and pitching excellence, particularly in their victories of 8-0 and 10-2.
Series Status: Dodgers lead 3-1
Game Summaries
Let’s quickly review the four games in this year’s NLCS so far. This will give us an idea of how the series is shaping up for both teams after Thursday’s game.
Game 1
- Date: October 14, 2024
- Venue: Dodger Stadium, Los Angeles
- Final Score: Dodgers 9, Mets 0
- Top Players:
- Jack Flaherty’s Masterclass: Flaherty delivered seven scoreless innings with six strikeouts, allowing only two hits.
- Dodgers’ Offensive Surge: Contributions from Shohei Ohtani and Freddie Freeman were pivotal, with Mookie Betts ending the scoring with a bases-clearing double in the eighth inning.
Game 2
- Date: October 15, 2024
- Venue: Citi Field, New York
- Final Score: Mets 7, Dodgers 3
- Top Players:
- Lindor’s Leadoff Blast: Francisco Lindor hit a solo home run to start the game, marking his sixth postseason leadoff homer.
- Vientos’ Grand Slam: Mark Vientos hit a grand slam in the second inning after an intense eight-pitch at-bat, extending the Mets’ lead significantly.
Game 3
- Date: October 16, 2024
- Venue: Citi Field, New York
- Final Score: Dodgers 8, Mets 0
Game 4
- Date: October 17, 2024
- Venue: Citi Field, New York
- Final Score: Dodgers 10, Mets 2
Top Moments from Game 3
- Kiké Hernández’s Two-Run Blast: In the sixth inning, Hernández hit a pivotal two-run homer that extended the Dodgers’ lead to 4-0, energizing the team with his clutch performance.
- Walker Buehler’s Strong Performance: Buehler pitched four scoreless innings, allowing only three singles and two walks while striking out six batters, generating an impressive 53% whiff rate on 34 swings.
- Shohei Ohtani’s Three-Run Homer: Ohtani capped off the game with a towering three-run homer in the eighth inning, solidifying the Dodgers’ 8-0 victory and demonstrating his clutch ability.
Top Moments from Game 4
- Ohtani’s Leadoff Home Run: Ohtani continued his impressive postseason run by hitting a leadoff homer on just the second pitch of Game 4, marking his third home run of the series.
- Mookie Betts’ Explosive Night: Betts stood out, going 4-for-6 with four RBIs. He hit a crucial two-run double in the fourth inning and another two-run homer in the sixth.
- Max Muncy’s Consistency at the Plate: Muncy maintained his remarkable streak, contributing significantly to the Dodgers’ offence with eight walks, two home runs, and a single in his last eleven at-bats.
- Tommy Edman’s Key Contributions: Edman played a crucial role with an RBI double in the third inning and added another two-run double in the eighth, bringing his total RBIs for the game to three.
These moments highlight individual brilliance and the collective effort of the Dodgers as they pursue the World Series title.
NLCS Game 5 Schedule
Game 5 Details
- Date: October 18, 2024
- Venue: Citi Field, New York
- First Pitch Time: Scheduled for 5:08 PM ET / 2:08 PM PT
- Broadcast Details: Live on Fox Sports (FS1)
If the Dodgers win this game, they will clinch the series with an unassailable 4-1 lead, making further games (6 and 7) inconsequential.
Check out this Yahoo Sports article for predictions and odds for Game 5.
Conclusion
As we approach Game 5 of this thrilling NLCS 2024, the stakes couldn’t be higher for both teams. Historically, teams trailing a best-of-seven series at this stage have come back to win only about 15% of the time, yet the Mets remain determined. “We have a history with it,” said Mets outfielder Brandon Nimmo. “This team is competent… Momentum can shift very quickly.”
The Dodgers are eager to capitalize on their current form, with hopes of securing their fourth trip to the World Series in eight years. If they maintain their winning momentum, behind Flaherty and their potent offence led by Ohtani and Betts, they could seal their NLCS title on Friday.
For more details on this year’s MLB Postseason, including brackets and results, check out this article: MLB 2024 Postseason: NLCS, ALCS Bracket, Schedule and Results.
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