The New York Mets faced another challenging match on Wednesday, suffering an 8-0 defeat against the Los Angeles Dodgers. This loss marks the Mets' inability to score in two out of the three games played so far in the National League Championship Series (NLCS), as they now trail the Dodgers 2-1 in the best-of-seven series.
Jose Iglesias and J.D. Martinez are expected to take on Dodgers starter Yoshinobu Yamamoto on Thursday. This matchup is particularly interesting given Yamamoto's performance this season. While he allowed a .744 OPS against left-handed batters, he has been exceptionally dominant against right-handed hitters, restricting them to a .526 OPS during the regular season.
Mets' first-year manager Carlos Mendoza is well aware of the challenges posed by Yamamoto. Addressing the media in his post-game press conference, Mendoza noted, "We're facing [Yoshinobu] Yamamoto, as far as I know. I think they announced it. When you look at his numbers, his splits, he's reversed. He's been a lot better against lefties." This insight suggests that Mendoza might rely more heavily on his right-handed hitters for what promises to be a pivotal game. "I would anticipate our righties to be in the lineup tomorrow," Mendoza added, hinting at possible adjustments in the team's approach.
However, as they prepare for the upcoming game, the Mets face potential setbacks with some of their key players. Jeff McNeil, who has been struggling to return to form after fracturing his wrist over a month ago, and Jesse Winker, who has been dealing with back problems, might see reduced roles due to their health issues. This is a significant concern for the Mets, especially given the already difficult task they face trying to overcome a Dodgers team that has consistently outmaneuvered them so far in the series.
Despite these challenges, some players have managed to maintain their form. One such player is Mark Vientos, who holds a .692 OPS in the series. While not breathtaking, Vientos' performance is indicative of his resilience in a series where the Mets batters have generally struggled to make an impact. Furthermore, seven Mets players have had nine or more at-bats against the Dodgers, reflecting their ongoing efforts to find a foothold against their formidable opponents.
The performance of the Mets in this series appears to be a test not only of individual talent but also of the managerial acumen of Carlos Mendoza. Leading the team in his first year as manager, Mendoza is tasked with finding the right balance between leveraging his players' strengths and adapting strategies to counter the Dodgers' strengths. This series not only tests the skill level of the players but also the strategic depth that Mendoza can field against one of the toughest teams in the league.
With the series finely poised, the upcoming game could be a turning point for the Mets. Insightful plays, astute management, and perhaps a stroke of luck could be crucial as they strive to stay competitive in the NLCS. As the players prepare to face Yamamoto and the Dodgers once more, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how the Mets adapt and respond under pressure.