Dodgers can’t overcome Jack Flaherty’s struggles in NLCS Game 5 loss to Mets
LA TimesBefore the sun had set in Queens on Friday night, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts faced a dilemma. “All I have to do is be average,” a frustrated Flaherty said afterward, “and we’re in this game.” On a night the Dodgers could have ended the NLCS and booked a place in next week’s World Series, they let this best-of-seven head back to Los Angeles. “He wasn’t sharp, clearly,” Roberts said, noting Flaherty has been “under the weather a little bit;” not the only one in a sniffly Dodgers clubhouse. “I didn’t make the adjustments that I should have made in the game after the first inning, when they put a couple good swings on me.” Flaherty got through the second inning unscathed, despite a leadoff double from Francisco Alvarez and two near-homers from Francisco Lindor. “Because ultimately it’s about winning four games in a seven-game series.” Flaherty began the third inning with two quick strikes on Alonso but then missed the zone four straight times for a leadoff walk.