Dodgers defeat Mets to set up World Series meeting with Yankees
The Los Angeles Dodgers secured their place in the World Series for the fourth time in eight years by defeating the New York Mets 10-5 on Sunday, with Tommy Edman contributing significantly by driving in four runs to lead the victory.
Edman hit a two-run double in the first inning, followed by two-run home runs from both him and Will Smith in the third inning, propelling the Dodgers to Major League Baseball's championship event for the first time since their title win in 2020.
"I have a great appreciation for this group of players," remarked Dodgers outfielder Mookie Betts. "Every day at work is enjoyable. Competing together is a thrill."
Edman, who had been sidelined until mid-August, was honored as the Most Valuable Player of the series.
"Considering how the season began, it is remarkable to find ourselves in this position," Edman stated. "This is an incredible team. They embraced me wholeheartedly. I am eager to continue this journey."
The Dodgers triumphed in the best-of-seven National League Championship Series, winning 4-2 against the Mets, and will commence the World Series at home on Friday against the New York Yankees, who hold a record 27 championships.
"I am filled with anticipation," Edman expressed. "This is the dream we have all aspired to achieve."
This encounter will mark the 12th time the Dodgers and Yankees have faced each other in the World Series, the first since the Dodgers' victory in 1981. The Yankees hold an 8-3 advantage in their World Series matchups.
"I am not entirely sure what it signifies yet," Betts commented. "I need to experience it first. This is what the fans desired. It is what we all wished for."
The Dodgers will be making their 22nd World Series appearance, while the Yankees, who last participated in the World Series in 2009, will be competing for the 41st time.
"To the fans in Los Angeles, you want a parade? We need four more victories," Dodgers manager Dave Roberts addressed the enthusiastic crowd at Dodger Stadium.
This marks the inaugural World Series appearance for Japanese sensation Shohei Ohtani, who did not experience playoff action during his first six seasons with the Los Angeles Angels prior to joining the Dodgers this year.
"It has been a lifelong dream of mine to play in this venue. Finally being able to step onto this stage and compete, with the hope of winning, is my next objective," Ohtani expressed.
"There are no straightforward matches in the postseason. Our team performed exceptionally well. I am pleased that we managed to prevail," he added.
The Mets took an early lead in the first inning when Francisco Lindor walked, advanced to second on a wild pitch by Dodgers' starter Michael Kopech, and reached third on a ground out by Brandon Nimmo, ultimately scoring on a single by Pete Alonso.
Los Angeles responded in the first inning as Ohtani hit a single, advanced to third on a single by Teoscar Hernandez, and both players scored on a double by Edman to left field, giving the Dodgers a 2-1 advantage.
In the third inning, the Mets loaded the bases, but Dodgers relief pitcher Anthony Banda struck out Jeff McNeil to extinguish the threat.
After Hernandez opened the third inning with a single for the Dodgers, Edman followed suit with a two-run home run into the left-field stands.
Max Muncy then walked, and Smith hit a two-out home run, extending the Dodgers' lead to 6-1.
The Mets countered with a two-run homer from Mark Vientos in the fourth inning.
New York loaded the bases once more in the sixth, but Jesse Winker flew out, ending the scoring opportunity.
In the sixth inning for the Dodgers, Smith walked, advanced to second on a bunt single by Chris Taylor, and scored on a single by Ohtani, increasing Los Angeles' lead to 7-3.
In the seventh, New York's Tyrone Taylor and McNeil connected for back-to-back singles, with Francisco Alvarez driving in Taylor via a sacrifice fly, narrowing the gap to 7-4.
The Dodgers extended their lead to 10-4 in the eighth inning as Chris Taylor singled, Ohtani walked, Betts doubled in Taylor, Hernandez brought Ohtani home with a sacrifice fly, and Enrique Hernandez later singled in Edman.
Dodgers reliever Blake Treinen allowed a run in the ninth inning but successfully pitched the final two innings to secure the win.
SportsLigue