In an electrifying Game 5 of the National League Championship Series, the New York Mets staged a fierce comeback against the Los Angeles Dodgers with a statement 12-6 victory. Leading the Mets' offensive battery was Pete Alonso, who launched an early three-run home run, providing momentum that echoed throughout the game. This stunning performance at Citi Field sends the series back to Los Angeles, igniting hope for the Mets as they now trail 3-2 in the best-of-seven series.

Starling Marte was a standout performer, delivering three doubles among his four hits and driving in three crucial runs for New York. Francisco Alvarez emerged from a hitting slump with a three-hit game, including an RBI single in the pivotal third inning that saw the Mets notch five runs. Contributions also poured in from Francisco Lindor and Jesse Winker, both of whom smashed RBI triples to contribute to the Mets' impressive tally.

This game marked a historical scoring feat for the Mets, as their 12 runs were only one shy of their franchise record for a postseason game. The Mets’ triumph was especially significant as it came in an elimination scenario, showcasing their resilience and determination to stay alive in the playoffs. This victory follows a similarly crucial game in the Wild Card Series against the Milwaukee Brewers, where Alonso's clutch hitting saved their season.

Mets manager expressed pride in his team's performance, highlighting how the team seized momentum. "This is about momentum, and we take the momentum back today," commented Alvarez post-game. His enthusiasm was mirrored by other teammates, as they look forward to Game 6 scheduled in LA, with Sean Manaea expected to start for the Mets against a Dodgers team relying heavily on their bullpen amidst a thinned-out rotation.

The Dodgers’ Jack Flaherty had a rough outing after a stellar Game 1 performance. He uncharacteristically surrendered eight runs on eight hits over just three innings without recording a strikeout, a rare misstep not seen since a previous game in September 2022. Despite these setbacks, Dodgers rookie Andy Pages and star player Mookie Betts offered resistance, with Pages hitting two homers.

The Mets' defense and bullpen held steady, with Ryne Stanek and Edwin Díaz playing crucial roles in stabilizing the game. Stanek worked through a career-high 2 and 1/3 innings, while Díaz shut down the Dodgers for six outs, both combining to ensure no further runs were leaked after the Dodgers cut the deficit to 10-6.

The stage is set for a riveting Game 6, where both teams will vie intensively to either secure their spot in the World Series or push for a decisive Game 7. In what has been an exhilarating postseason, the Mets are determined to carry their newfound momentum across the country as they aim for another upset in Los Angeles.