The Los Angeles Dodgers and New York Mets reignited their rivalry on Friday night in a game that felt like a postseason preview, blending high-stakes drama, unpredictable weather, and a rollercoaster of emotions. The contest, a rematch of the 2024 National League Championship Series, stretched into the early hours of Saturday morning, culminating in a 7-5 Dodgers victory in 13 innings. The game was a testament to resilience, rulebook intricacies, and the sheer unpredictability of baseball .
Rain Delay Disrupts Early Momentum
The game began under ominous skies at Citi Field, with Clayton Kershaw taking the mound for the Dodgers. The veteran left-hander looked sharp, tossing two scoreless innings and holding the Mets hitless. However, Mother Nature had other plans. In the top of the third inning, with the Dodgers threatening at the plate, a heavy downpour forced a 98-minute rain delay. The stoppage not only halted play but also ended Kershaw’s night prematurely, forcing the Dodgers into a bullpen-heavy strategy for the remaining 11 innings . The delay tested both teams’ depth, as the Dodgers’ already overworked relief corps—leading MLB in innings pitched—faced an even heavier burden .
Dodgers Build Lead, Mets Stage Late Rally
After the delay, the Dodgers capitalized on opportunities. Will Smith broke the deadlock with an RBI single in the third, followed by Teoscar Hernández’s two-run single to extend the lead to 3-0. Brett Baty’s solo homer in the bottom of the third put the Mets on the board, but Los Angeles continued to add runs, including Andy Pages’ RBI single in the fifth, pushing the advantage to 5-2 .
The Mets’ offense, however, refused to fold. Trailing by three runs entering the bottom of the ninth, they mounted a stunning comeback against Dodgers closer Tanner Scott. Jeff McNeil ripped a two-run triple, and Tyrone Taylor followed with a game-tying RBI single, electrifying the remaining crowd of 40,449 fans who braved the late-hour chaos . Scott’s blown save—his fourth of the season—highlighted the volatility of late-game relief pitching .
Extra Innings and Unusual Obstruction Call
The game’s twists extended into extra innings. In the fourth inning, a bizarre obstruction call altered the Mets’ scoring. Starling Marte attempted to score on a Pete Alonso sacrifice fly but was initially thrown out at the plate by Hernández. Umpires reversed the call, ruling that Dodgers third baseman Max Muncy obstructed Marte’s view of the play, awarding the Mets a run. This rare Type 2 obstruction decision underscored the complexity of MLB’s rulebook and its impact on critical moments .
Both teams squandered chances in extras. The Mets left the potential winning run stranded at third base twice, including in the 11th inning, when rookie Luisangel Acuña grounded out. The Dodgers, meanwhile, leaned on Luis García’s clutch relief pitching, as he tossed 2.1 hitless innings to keep the game alive .
Hernández Delivers the Final Blow
Finally, in the 13th inning, Teoscar Hernández—already a key contributor earlier in the game—came through once more. His leadoff RBI double scored automatic runner Will Smith, and Andy Pages added an insurance run with a sacrifice fly. García sealed the win in the bottom of the frame, with Tommy Edman’s sliding catch in center field ending the marathon at 12:56 a.m. .
Injury Woes Add to Mets’ Frustrations
The Mets’ challenges extended beyond the scoreboard. Left fielder Brandon Nimmo exited the game after the rain delay due to a stiff neck, a recurring issue linked to a 2019 collision. Nimmo, mired in an 0-for-17 slump, admitted he felt “more of a detriment than a help” at the plate, highlighting the physical and mental toll of the grueling contest .
Looking Ahead
The game set the tone for a pivotal seven-game stretch between these NL heavyweights over the next two weeks. For the Dodgers, the win reinforced their resilience despite a decimated pitching staff, while the Mets’ late-game grit—and missed opportunities—underscored their potential and flaws. As both teams vie for division supremacy, this marathon clash will linger as a defining moment in their 2025 campaigns .
In the end, the Dodgers’ ability to navigate adversity—rain delays, bullpen fatigue, and rulebook quirks—proved decisive. For fans, the game was a reminder of why baseball, with its endless layers of drama, remains America’s pastime. As fireworks lit up the Citi Field sky postgame, the echoes of this wild night lingered, setting the stage for an unforgettable summer of rivalry baseball .
