Mets
Mets Fail to Conjure Game 6 Magic
The 2024 Mets came through in the clutch a ton but needed a few more timely hits in Game 6 to extend their season. New York went 2-for-9 with runners in scoring position and left 13 on base in the 10-5 season-ending loss to the Dodgers in the NLCS.
The opportunities came early and often.
Starling Marte flew out to right field with two on to end the first on the first pitch he saw. Brandon Nimmo popped out with two aboard to end the second. Jeff McNeil struck out with the bases loaded to end the third. Jesse Winker flew out with the bases loaded to end the sixth. Francisco Lindor struck out with a runner on to end the seventh. In the NLCS, the Mets left a total 56 runners on base (their 13 in Game 6 was a high in the six games played).
A key hit here or there, and maybe the Mets are playing Game 7 on Monday. But another problem the Mets had was pitching to a potent Dodger lineup that produced 46 runs scored in the series. Sean Manaea was shaky from the get-go, giving up three hits to the first four batters he faced, including a Tommy Edman two-run double that gave the Dodgers a 2-1 lead. It was the first lead change of the series, and it would be the last.
Manaea needed 64 pitches to get six outs and left after he walked Max Muncy in the third. He gave up five runs on six hits and grew emotional talking to reporters postgame.
“Just super proud of everything we accomplished. Everyone here. You know, nobody else I’d do it with. These boys grinded the whole year,” he said, choking up. “And you know, it’s sports, so it just is what it is.”
Manaea wasn’t the only Mets hurler who struggled in Game 6. Phil Maton gave up a home run to Will Smith, Ryne Stanek faced three batters without recording an out and Kodai Senga surrendered three runs in the eighth inning that put the game away for L.A.
Manager Carlos Mendoza said he knew “it was gonna be a battle” after Manaea’s early exit.
“But we kept fighting,” he said. “Guys came in and gave us a chance. Just came up short.”