NLDS Game 5 Preview: New York Mets versus Los Angeles Dodgers
By Brian Draus
Keys to winning:
New York Mets:
Get into the Dodgers bullpen. With Zach Greinke starting for Los Angeles, it is key for the Mets to get him out of the game as soon as possible. Greinke was very good in Game Two for the Dodgers, allowing two runs in seven innings. While Kenley Jansen is a good closer, getting to him is where the Dodgers have issues. Assuming the Mets can get Greinke out after five or six innings, they will improve their chances at scoring runs.
Hold down Justin Turner. Turner is hitting .467 with 3 RBI’s and 11 total bases in four games. Adrian Gonzalez and Howie Kendrick are threats as well, and need to be kept in check.
Los Angeles Dodgers:
Keep Curtis Granderson off base. Granderson has an OBP of .529 in the NLDS, and is the table setter for the Mets offense. Granderson has been the hottest hitter for the Mets in the series, considering the fact that he is batting .429 in four games.
Prevent Yoenis Cespedes and Daniel Murphy from hitting home runs. They have four home runs combined (Mets have six total), so keeping them in the ballpark is crucial.
Make more contact against Jacob deGrom. The Dodgers struck out 13 times in only 7 innings against deGrom in Game 1, meaning manufacturing runs would not be easy. If the Dodgers want to beat deGrom and the Mets this time, they have one of two options. Try to work the count to increase the pitch total, or put the ball in play at a higher rate.
Summary:
All in all, this should be a great pitchers duel. Both Game Fives in the American League produced somewhat high run totals (nine total in each). I don’t think this game will produce more than half of that. With two legit aces on the mound, this should be exactly what fans want in a deciding playoff game. Great pitching, timely hitting, and a great atmosphere. Will the Mets end up regretting not closing out the series at Citi Field on Tuesday? That is to be determined. However, great pitchers on the mound means every mistake is magnified that much more. Who will deliver the blow that ends another team’s season? While that will be determined tonight, one team will make golf reservations, and one will prepare for the NLCS. Enjoy the game, as any series deciding game will provide memories that will live on baseball history forever.