The Los Angeles Dodgers booked their ticket to the World Series after defeating the New York Mets 10-5 in Game 6 of the National League Championship Series on Sunday night. This victory marks the Dodgers’ record 25th National League pennant and sends Shohei Ohtani to his first-ever World Series in dramatic fashion.
Edman and Smith Deliver the Power
Tommy Edman and Will Smith were the heroes of the night, each blasting crucial home runs to seal the win. Edman, acquired at the trade deadline, was the standout of the series, driving in the Dodgers’ first four runs of the game. His performance throughout the series earned him the NLCS MVP award, tying a franchise record with 11 RBIs, a feat last achieved by Corey Seager in 2020.
Will Smith also made his presence known, crushing a 416-foot homer to center field, extending the Dodgers’ lead to 6-1. The Mets couldn’t find an answer as the Dodgers outscored them 40-26 across the six games.
Ohtani’s World Series Debut
After six seasons with the Los Angeles Angels, where he never experienced postseason success, Shohei Ohtani is set to make his long-awaited World Series debut. Playing his first season with the Dodgers after a record-breaking contract, Ohtani played a key role in Game 6 with two hits and two runs scored. His NLCS performance saw him hit .364 with two home runs and six RBIs. “It’s the place that I’ve dreamt of playing all my life,” Ohtani said of the World Series during his postgame interview.
A Historic Rivalry Renewed
The Dodgers’ victory sets up a dream matchup in the World Series against the New York Yankees. It will be the 12th time the two storied franchises meet in the Fall Classic, with the Yankees having won eight of their previous encounters. The Dodgers’ two wins against the Yankees came in 1955 and 1981.
This is the Yankees’ first World Series appearance in 15 years, and Game 1 on Friday at Dodger Stadium will feature a showdown between MLB’s top two home run hitters, Aaron Judge (58) and Shohei Ohtani (54), promising a thrilling matchup between two of baseball’s brightest stars.
Dodgers as Slight Favorites
Sportsbooks have installed the Dodgers as slight favorites in the series, with U.S. sportsbooks opening odds at -125 for the Dodgers and +105 for the Yankees. The Yankees, however, bring their formidable postseason pedigree, making this clash one of the most anticipated World Series in recent history.
Mets Fall Short in NLCS
For the Mets, their postseason journey ended with disappointment. Despite a valiant effort, including a two-run homer by Mark Vientos in Game 6, the Mets fell short. They had opportunities with the bases loaded twice but failed to convert, ultimately being outmatched by the relentless Dodgers offense. Still, the Mets’ comeback season, which saw them nearly reach the World Series after a rocky 22-33 start, provided a glimmer of hope for the future.
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