Most runs in a Mets playoff game: Where does NLCS Game 5 scoring surge rank in New York’s postseason history?
The 2024 National League Championship Series between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the New York Mets is an entertaining one, with no shortage of runs. Even with four blowouts heading into Game 5, the series already had provided plenty of excitement.
Friday’s Game 5 at New York’s Citi Field got off to a hot start, with Mets slugger Pete Alonso launching a three-run home run against Dodgers starting pitcher Jack Flaherty in the bottom of the first inning.
New York never looked back, scoring 11 runs in the first six innings. The Dodgers hung around, but ultimately, the Mets finished with an 12-6 win.
While the Mets still trail in the series, 3-2, and must turn their focus to Los Angeles for Game 6 on Sunday, Oct. 20, let’s take a second to appreciate their high-octane offense from Game 5 and see where their 12-run total ranks in their postseason history.
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Mets NLCS Game 5 scoringFirst InningFrancisco Lindor came to the plate in the first inning, getting serenaded by fans singing his walk-up song “My Girl,” which had been performed live by The Temptations ahead of the game. He singled to right field, and Brandon Nimmo walked. After Mark Vientos flew out to left, Alonso launched a 432 ft. home run to center field.Â
Score: Mets 3, Dodgers 0
Third InningThe Dodgers had small-balled a run across in the top of the second inning, but scoring had stalled until the Mets came to the plate in the third inning. Alonso drew a walk, as did Jesse Winker after him. Starling Marte doubled to left, scoring both baserunners.
Tyrone Taylor lined out to left, and Jeff McNeil grounded out to short. Francisco Alvarez singled to left, scoring Marte. Lindor tripled down the right field line and Alvarez scored all the way from first. Nimmo then singled to right, scoring Lindor.Â
Score: Mets 8, Dodgers 1
Fourth InningLos Angeles scored a run in the top of the fourth thanks to a solo home run from rookie Andy Pages. After Alonso got plunked to lead off the inning, Winker tripled to right, scoring him. Marte grounded out to short, but Winker wasn’t able to score. Taylor also got hit by a pitch and then McNeil hit a sac fly center, plating Winker.Â
Score: Mets 10, Dodgers 2
Sixth inningPages got the Mets again for his second home run of the game. Mookie Betts added another in the top of the 6th. Winker got hit with a pitch to lead off the bottom of the inning. Marte doubled to left, so New York had runners on second and third with no outs. Taylor flied out to center, but not deep enough to score Winker. McNeil hit one deeper to center and Winker finally got to score on the sac fly.Â
Score: Mets 11, Dodgers 6
Eighth inningAn Alonso single got New York started in the eighth inning. Winker singled to send him to third, and then a Marte single sent him home. While the Mets didn’t add any more runs, they didn’t need them.
Score: Mets 12, Dodgers 6
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Highest-scoring Mets playoff gamesRankRunsDateOpponentResult11310/12/2015DodgersW, 13-7T-21210/18/2024DodgersW, 12-6T-21210/15/2006CardinalsW, 12-541110/5/1969BravesW, 11-6T-51010/15/2000CardinalsW, 10-6T-51010/14/1973AthleticsW, 10-7Highest-scoring teams in an MLB playoff gameThe Mets had their second-highest run output in a playoff game in franchise history, but where does it rank all-time?Â
Unfortunately for New York, it doesn’t crack the top-25 performances by a team in the playoffs. The Boston Red Sox set the record for runs in a playoff game. Boston scored 23 against the Cleveland Guardians in 1999 and won the game 23-7.
The New York Yankees scored the second and third most runs in an MLB playoff game. New York put up 19 on the Red Sox in 2004 (right at the start of the iconic four days in October run by Boston) and scored 18 over the New York Giants in 1936.Â
