Twenty years ago, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts played a critical role in one of baseball’s most epic comebacks. He helped the Red Sox overcome a 3-0 series deficit against the Yankees in the 2004 ALCS with a stolen base in Game 4. Roberts understands the importance of momentum in a series and the need to seize opportunities. As the Dodgers headed into Game 5 of the NLCS against the Mets, Roberts emphasized the urgency to close out the series and secure a spot in the World Series.
However, the sense of urgency was missing in Game 5 as Dodgers’ starter Jack Flaherty struggled from the start. Flaherty gave up an early three-run homer to Pete Alonso, putting the Dodgers in a 3-0 hole. Despite Flaherty’s challenges, Roberts did not make a pitching change promptly, and the game quickly slipped away from the Dodgers. Flaherty’s lack of command and velocity raised questions about his health, but Roberts chose to stick with him, ultimately leading to a 12-6 loss.
Roberts’ decision to preserve the bullpen for Game 6 backfired as the Mets extended their lead. While the Dodgers mounted a late rally, the missed opportunity in Game 5 highlighted the importance of making timely decisions and showing urgency in crucial moments. By not acting decisively when Flaherty struggled, the Dodgers missed a chance to capitalize on the Mets’ vulnerabilities.
Despite the Game 5 loss, the Dodgers still hold a 3-2 series lead and remain in a strong position to clinch the pennant. Historically, teams with a 3-2 lead in a best-of-seven series have a 69% success rate. The upcoming Game 6 presents another opportunity for the Dodgers to regroup, show resilience, and secure a spot in the World Series.
Looking ahead, Roberts and the Dodgers must learn from the mistakes of Game 5 and approach Game 6 with a sense of urgency from the start. Making proactive decisions, utilizing the bullpen effectively, and capitalizing on scoring opportunities will be critical to their success. As they aim to close out the series against the Mets, the Dodgers must prioritize momentum, execution, and strategic gameplay to achieve their ultimate goal of reaching the World Series.
