New York Mets vs Los Angeles Dodgers: A Statistical Deep Dive into the Thrilling 2024 NLCS Game 6 Showdown

On October 20, 2024, the Los Angeles Dodgers delivered a commanding 10-5 victory over the New York Mets in Game 6 of the National League Championship Series (NLCS) at Dodger Stadium, clinching the series 4-2 and securing their spot in the 2024 World Series against the New York Yankees. This pivotal game showcased the Dodgers’ offensive firepower, disciplined pitching, and ability to capitalize on Mets’ miscues, while the Mets fought valiantly but fell short despite flashes of brilliance. With a raucous home crowd fueling their momentum, the Dodgers overcame an early deficit to dominate, driven by standout performances from Tommy Edman, Will Smith, and Shohei Ohtani. This article Mets vs Dodgers Match Player Stats, diving deep into the match and player statistics to unpack the performances that defined this high-stakes playoff clash. Through detailed tables, statistical breakdowns, and fresh insights, we explore how the Dodgers’ depth and clutch play outshone the Mets’ resilience, marking a turning point in their postseason journey.

• Sport: Baseball
• League: Major League Baseball (MLB)
• Series: National League Championship Series (NLCS)
• Match Type: Game 6 of a playoff series
• Date: October 20, 2024
• Location: Dodger Stadium, Los Angeles, California
• Final Score: Dodgers 10, Mets 5
• Winner: Los Angeles Dodgers

Game Overview: A Tale of Momentum and Missed Opportunities

The Mets, trailing 3-2 in the series, needed a win to force a Game 7 at Citi Field. They struck first with a run in the opening inning, but the Dodgers responded with a relentless offensive barrage, scoring six runs by the third inning and never looking back. The game, which saw 15 combined runs and 22 hits, highlighted Los Angeles’ ability to exploit Mets’ pitching struggles and defensive lapses, while New York’s offense, led by Mark Vientos and Pete Alonso, couldn’t sustain early momentum. The Dodgers’ bullpen, a question mark entering the postseason, held firm, and their 3/5 success in runners-in-scoring-position (RISP) situations proved decisive. For the Mets, a 1/7 RISP performance and Sean Manaea’s early exit underscored their inability to match Los Angeles’ depth.

Match Summary: Key Moments That Shaped the Outcome

The game unfolded as a tale of early promise for the Mets and relentless execution by the Dodgers. Here’s a breakdown of the critical moments, drawn from official game reports and play-by-play data:

• Top 1st: The Mets took a 1-0 lead when Pete Alonso singled off Michael Kopech, driving in Francisco Lindor, who had walked and stolen second. New York loaded the bases, but Jeff McNeil grounded out, squandering a chance for a bigger inning.
• Bottom 1st: Tommy Edman doubled off Sean Manaea, driving in Mookie Betts and Shohei Ohtani to give the Dodgers a 2-1 lead, capitalizing on Manaea’s early command issues.
• Bottom 3rd: Edman struck again, launching a two-run homer off Manaea to extend the lead to 4-1. Will Smith followed with a two-run homer off Phil Maton, pushing the score to 6-1 and chasing Manaea after just 2.0 innings.
• Top 4th: Mark Vientos’ two-run homer off Ryan Brasier cut the deficit to 6-3, giving the Mets a flicker of hope.
• Bottom 6th: Shohei Ohtani’s RBI single off Ryne Stanek scored Edman, making it 7-3. The Dodgers added three more runs in the 8th via Andy Pages’ sacrifice fly and RBI singles from Chris Taylor and Teoscar Hernández, ballooning the lead to 10-3.
• Top 9th: Jeff McNeil’s RBI single and Francisco Lindor’s sacrifice fly off Blake Treinen scored two runs, but Edwin Díaz’s earlier struggles in relief sealed the Mets’ fate, finalizing the score at 10-5.

Key Player Statistics: Mets vs. Dodgers

Below is a comprehensive table of standout player performances, compiled from ESPN, FOX Sports, and Sportskeeda box scores, highlighting their impact on the game.

Team Statistical Breakdown

Dodgers’ Key Performers: Depth and Clutch Execution

Tommy Edman: The NLCS MVP

Tommy Edman, acquired at the trade deadline from St. Louis, earned NLCS MVP honors with a stellar Game 6. Going 3-for-4 with a double, a two-run homer, four RBIs, and two runs scored, Edman was the catalyst for Los Angeles’ offensive explosion. His first-inning double drove in Betts and Ohtani, flipping the score to 2-1, and his third-inning homer off Manaea extended the lead to 4-1. Per Statcast, Edman’s homer traveled 412 feet with a 107.3 mph exit velocity, showcasing his power against Manaea’s 91.4 mph fastball.

• Highlight Play: Edman’s two-run homer in the third, a no-doubter to left-center, shifted momentum decisively, prompting Mets manager Carlos Mendoza to pull Manaea.
• Impact: Edman’s 4 RBIs tied for the game high, and his .409 NLCS batting average (9/22, 11 RBIs) underscored his postseason breakout. His versatility (playing shortstop and center field) stabilized the Dodgers’ lineup.

Edman’s journey from trade-deadline addition to postseason hero resonated with fans. As he told FOX Sports post-game, “This is what you dream of as a kid,” capturing the joy of a career-defining moment in front of 52,674 fans at Dodger Stadium.

Will Smith: Power Behind the Plate

Catcher Will Smith’s two-run homer in the third off Phil Maton, a 406-foot shot to left, blew the game open at 6-1. Going 2-for-4 with two RBIs, Smith also managed a bullpen that limited the Mets to 5 runs despite early pressure. His .286 NLCS average (6/21, 2 HRs) complemented his defensive steadiness.

• Key Moment: Smith’s homer, with a 104.8 mph exit velocity, came on a 1-0 slider from Maton, exploiting the reliever’s 4.50 postseason ERA.
• Impact: Smith’s power and pitch-calling helped the Dodgers’ bullpen navigate a bases-loaded jam in the sixth, preserving a 6-3 lead.

Shohei Ohtani: The Superstar’s Subtle Brilliance

Shohei Ohtani went 2-for-4 with an RBI single, two runs scored, a walk, and a stolen base, showcasing his all-around impact. His sixth-inning RBI single scored Edman, restoring a four-run lead at 7-3. Ohtani’s speed (28.1 ft/sec sprint speed, per Statcast) pressured Mets catchers, and his .364 NLCS OBP kept rallies alive.

• Impact: Ohtani’s 2 runs scored and RBI in Game 6, combined with his 3-run homer in Game 3, highlighted his ability to deliver in high-leverage moments, even without a homer in this game.

Bullpen Heroes: Kopech and Phillips

Michael Kopech allowed a run in the first but escaped a bases-loaded jam with a groundout, throwing 21 pitches. Evan Phillips’ scoreless sixth, striking out two with the bases loaded, was a game-saver, maintaining a 6-3 lead. The Dodgers’ bullpen, with a 3.86 postseason ERA, outpitched the Mets’ 5.40 mark in the series.

• Impact: Phillips’ 15-pitch, two-strikeout inning, with a 95.6 mph fastball and 88.2 mph slider, neutralized a Mets rally, earning a hold and quieting a restless crowd.

Mets’ Key Performers: Flashes Amid Frustration

Mark Vientos: The Postseason Star

Third baseman Mark Vientos, a breakout star of the 2024 postseason, went 2-for-4 with a two-run homer in the fourth, cutting the Dodgers’ lead to 6-3. His 391-foot shot off Ryan Brasier, with a 103.5 mph exit velocity, was New York’s biggest offensive spark. Vientos’ 14 RBIs led all players in the 2024 postseason, and his .327 playoff average (16/49) made him the Mets’ most consistent bat.

• Highlight Play: Vientos’ homer, on a 1-1 fastball, briefly revived Mets’ hopes, but his 0/2 with RISP later reflected New York’s clutch struggles.
• Impact: Vientos’ power kept the Mets competitive, but he couldn’t overcome the team’s 1/7 RISP performance.

Vientos’ emergence as a 24-year-old cornerstone was a silver lining. As he told reporters, “We fought hard, but they were just better tonight,” a nod to the Mets’ grit despite the loss.

Francisco Lindor and Pete Alonso: Early Promise, Late Fade

Francisco Lindor’s leadoff walk, stolen base, and sacrifice fly in the ninth contributed a run and an RBI, but his 1-for-3 day included a strikeout with runners on. Pete Alonso’s first-inning RBI single gave the Mets an early lead, but he went 0-for-2 thereafter, finishing 1-for-3. Their combined 2-for-6 with 2 RBIs was solid but not enough against Los Angeles’ onslaught.

• Impact: Lindor’s .333 NLCS average (7/21, 2 HRs) and Alonso’s .273 mark (6/22, 2 HRs) showed their value, but their 1/4 RISP performance in Game 6 mirrored the team’s struggles.

Sean Manaea: A Rare Off Night

Sean Manaea, who entered with a 0.00 ERA in two postseason starts, faltered, allowing 4 runs on 5 hits in 2.0 innings. His 53 pitches (34 strikes) included a costly first-inning double to Edman and a third-inning homer, ballooning his Game 6 ERA to 15.00. Manaea’s inability to locate his 91.4 mph fastball (only 56% strikes) set a disastrous tone.

• Impact: Manaea’s early exit forced the Mets’ bullpen into 7.0 innings, taxing relievers like Maton (2 ER) and Díaz (2 ER), who allowed 6 more runs.

Edwin Díaz: Late-Game Struggles

Closer Edwin Díaz, tasked with keeping the game close in the eighth, allowed 2 runs on 3 hits, including RBI singles to Taylor and Hernández. His 18.00 ERA in Game 6 and 5.79 NLCS ERA highlighted a shaky postseason, contrasting his regular-season 1.87 mark.

• Impact: Díaz’s struggles widened the gap to 10-3, effectively ending the Mets’ comeback hopes despite a late rally.

Critical Statistical Insights

RISP and Clutch Performance

The Dodgers’ 3/5 RISP success (Edman’s double, Smith’s homer, Ohtani’s single) produced 6 runs, showcasing their ability to deliver in high-leverage situations. The Mets’ 1/7 RISP (Alonso’s single) left 8 runners on base, including a bases-loaded failure in the sixth. New York’s .143 RISP average in Game 6 was a microcosm of their .200 series mark, per Baseball-Reference.

Home Run Differential

The Dodgers’ two homers (Edman, Smith) generated 4 runs, while Vientos’ lone homer accounted for 2. Los Angeles’ 8 homers in the NLCS (Ohtani 2, Muncy 2, Hernández 2, Edman 1, Smith 1) outpaced the Mets’ 5 (Vientos 2, Lindor 2, Alonso 1), reflecting their power edge.

Pitching Efficiency

The Dodgers’ bullpen threw 146 pitches across 9.0 innings, with 7 strikeouts and a 5.00 ERA, navigating early pressure. The Mets’ 161 pitches, 10.00 ERA, and 6 strikeouts reflected their starters’ and relievers’ struggles. Los Angeles’ 3.86 series bullpen ERA dwarfed New York’s 5.40, per ESPN.

Defensive and Base Running

The Mets’ lone error, a throwing miscue by Tyrone Taylor, led to an unearned run in the eighth. The Dodgers’ error-free game and Ohtani’s stolen base contrasted with New York’s 1/2 stolen base success (Lindor). Los Angeles’ 6 stolen bases in the series to the Mets’ 3 highlighted their aggression.

Humanized Narrative: Dreams Fulfilled and Hearts Broken

For the Dodgers, Game 6 was a coronation. Tommy Edman, a midseason acquisition, became an unlikely hero, his four RBIs and MVP award symbolizing Los Angeles’ knack for turning role players into stars. Ohtani, the $700 million man, didn’t need a homer to shine—his speed, hustle, and timely hit embodied his all-in mentality. Will Smith, often overshadowed by flashier teammates, delivered a dagger with his homer, proving his worth in the clutch. As manager Dave Roberts told ESPN, “This team has a different feel,” a nod to the grit that carried them past a 98-64 regular season and a tough Padres series.

For the Mets, the loss was a gut punch but not a failure. A team predicted to win 81 games defied odds with a 89-73 record and playoff wins over Milwaukee and Philadelphia. Vientos, a 24-year-old breakout, gave fans hope for 2025, his homer a reminder of his limitless potential. Lindor and Alonso, the heart of Queens, fought until the end, their early RBIs fueling a fleeting dream of a Game 7. Manaea’s struggles were an anomaly for a pitcher who’d been lights-out, and Díaz’s late-game woes didn’t erase his regular-season dominance. As Lindor said post-game, “We left it all out there,” a testament to a team that captivated New York with its improbable run.

Strategic and Tactical Insights

• Dodgers’ Game Plan:
  • Bullpen Precision: Roberts’ bullpen strategy, using Kopech, Phillips, and Anthony Banda (2.0 IP, 0 ER), neutralized Mets’ rallies, with Phillips’ bases-loaded escape in the sixth proving pivotal.
  • Power and Patience: Los Angeles’ 2 homers and 5 walks (Betts, Ohtani, Edman) exploited Manaea’s 56% strike rate and the Mets’ 4.50 bullpen ERA.
  • RISP Execution: The Dodgers’ 3/5 RISP success, including Edman’s 2/2, maximized scoring chances, contrasting with their .250 series average.
• Mets’ Missteps:
  • Pitching Collapse: Manaea’s 15.00 ERA and early exit forced overworked relievers like Maton (4.50 ERA) and Díaz (5.79 ERA) into high-leverage spots, allowing 6 runs after the third.
  • RISP Failure: New York’s 1/7 RISP, including McNeil’s groundout with bases loaded, squandered chances to close the gap, a recurring issue (4/20 RISP in Games 4-6).
  • Defensive Lapse: Taylor’s throwing error in the eighth led to an unearned run, compounding the Mets’ 3 errors in the series to the Dodgers’ 1.

What This Means for Both Teams

For the Dodgers, the victory propelled them to their 12th World Series, where they defeated the Yankees 4-1, cementing their status as baseball’s premier franchise. Edman’s emergence and Ohtani’s postseason prowess signal a bright 2025, though injuries to pitchers like Gavin Stone and Tyler Glasnow (both on 60-day IL) pose challenges. The Dodgers’ 842 runs scored in 2024, second in MLB, and depth (13 players with 10+ HRs) make them favorites again.

For the Mets, the loss ended a magical run but highlighted their potential. Vientos’ 14 playoff RBIs and Lindor’s leadership provide a foundation, but Manaea’s injury (oblique strain, eyeing June 2025 return) and free-agent decisions (Alonso, Díaz) loom large. New York’s 57-43 all-time playoff record and 2024’s 89 wins suggest they’re close to contention, but addressing RISP struggles (.200 in NLCS) is critical.

Conclusion: A Game of Stars and What-Ifs

The Los Angeles Dodgers’ 10-5 rout of the New York Mets in NLCS Game 6 was a showcase of depth, power, and clutch execution, with Tommy Edman’s four RBIs, Will Smith’s homer, and Evan Phillips’ bases-loaded escape sealing a World Series berth. The Mets, led by Mark Vientos’ valiant homer and Francisco Lindor’s early spark, fought bravely but were undone by Sean Manaea’s struggles, Edwin Díaz’s late-game woes, and a 1/7 RISP failure. This game, a microcosm of the Dodgers’ dominance and the Mets’ resilience, will linger in baseball lore as a testament to Los Angeles’ championship pedigree and New York’s unrelenting spirit. As Edman said, “We just kept coming,” while Lindor’s “We’ll be back” promises another chapter in this storied rivalry.