Flaherty falters as Mets force Game 6 in NLCS
- Jack Flaherty performed poorly in Game 5 of the NL Championship Series, allowing five runs in the third inning.
- Flaherty's issues were linked to an inability to make adjustments during the game and his recent health problems.
- The Mets' victory pulled them closer in the series, now trailing 3-2, and set up a critical Game 6.
In the NL Championship Series, Jack Flaherty struggled in Game 5, held in New York, allowing five runs in the third inning as the Mets secured a 12-6 victory. His performance was a stark contrast to his dominant showing in Game 1, where he had previously thrown seven scoreless innings. Flaherty noted that he felt rushed during the game and failed to adjust, leading to a lack of sharpness in his pitching. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts mentioned that Flaherty had been under the weather, potentially impacting his performance. Despite his previous success with the Dodgers, this outing marked his first appearance without a strikeout since September 2022. His struggles allowed the Mets to tighten the series to 3-2, forcing a crucial Game 6 back in California. Flaherty acknowledged the team's adjustments and the challenges of facing the same opponent in quick succession, highlighting the competitive nature of the postseason.