On a rain-soaked evening at Citi Field, the New York Mets vs. Los Angeles Dodgers matchup on May 23, 2025, delivered an electrifying spectacle that captivated baseball fans across the nation. The Dodgers vs. Mets game, a rematch of the 2024 National League Championship Series (NLCS), showcased high-stakes drama, standout performances, and a marathon 13-inning battle that ended with a 7-5 victory for the Los Angeles Dodgers. This comprehensive recap explores the game’s pivotal moments, key players, and the broader context of the New York Mets vs. LA Dodgers rivalry, providing fans with an in-depth look at one of the season’s most memorable contests.
A Rivalry Steeped in History
The Dodgers-Mets rivalry is one of baseball’s most storied, with a history dating back to the Mets’ inception in 1962. Since then, the two teams have faced off in 176 games, with the Dodgers holding a slight edge, winning 98 games to the Mets’ 78, according to historical data. The 2024 NLCS saw the Dodgers triumph in six games, advancing to the World Series, but the Mets’ resilience in Game 5—a 12-6 rout at Citi Field—set the stage for heightened anticipation in 2025.
This latest chapter in the New York Mets vs. Los Angeles Dodgers saga was no less intense, with both teams boasting playoff-caliber rosters. The Dodgers, with a 31-19 record, entered the game as offensive juggernauts, ranking second in MLB in runs per game (5.68) and batting average (.267). The Mets, at 30-20, relied on consistency and situational hitting, led by stars like Pete Alonso and Francisco Lindor.
Game Day at Citi Field: A Rainy Start
The Mets game on May 23, 2025, began under ominous skies at Citi Field, with a Mets rain delay halting play after just two innings. Both teams’ starting pitchers—Griffin Canning for the Mets and an unnamed Dodgers starter—were pulled early due to the delay, forcing managers Carlos Mendoza and Dave Roberts to lean heavily on their bullpens. This strategic shift depleted both teams’ relief corps, with the Mets using all eight available relievers and the Dodgers employing seven.
The rain delay, lasting over an hour, tested the patience of the 43,841 fans in attendance, but the electric atmosphere at Citi Field remained undampened. Once play resumed, the game evolved into a battle of attrition, with both teams trading blows in a contest that extended into the early hours of May 24, 2025.
First Inning Fireworks: Setting the Tone
The game opened with a bang as the Dodgers’ leadoff hitter, Shohei Ohtani, singled, followed by a Mookie Betts line drive that glanced off Mets outfielder Starling Marte’s glove. Despite the early threat, Mets starter Griffin Canning escaped the inning unscathed, thanks to a groundout from Teoscar Hernández and a strikeout of Tommy Edman.
The Mets responded in the bottom of the first, with Francisco Lindor drawing a leadoff walk and advancing to third on a ground ball. A broken-bat single by Pete Alonso, coupled with an error by Dodgers third baseman Max Muncy, allowed Lindor to score, giving the Mets a 1-0 lead. This early miscue set the stage for a game defined by defensive lapses and opportunistic offense.
The Middle Innings: A Back-and-Forth Battle
As the game progressed, the Mets games intensity only grew. In the fourth inning, the Mets capitalized on another Dodgers error when Starling Marte scored on a fly ball to right fielder Teoscar Hernández, with Muncy’s interference error allowing the Mets to take a 2-1 lead. However, the Dodgers answered back, with a Gavin Lux three-run home run in the eighth inning giving them a 7-4 advantage.
The Mets, undeterred, staged a dramatic comeback in the ninth. Trailing by three runs, they loaded the bases and tied the game at 5-5, thanks to a clutch double play induced by closer Edwin Diaz. The game remained deadlocked through four scoreless extra innings, with both teams squandering opportunities due to stranded runners and fatigued bullpens.
The 13th Inning: Hernández Seals the Deal
The turning point came in the 13th inning when Teoscar Hernández, a constant thorn in the Mets’ side, led off with an RBI double, scoring the go-ahead run. The Dodgers added another run to secure a 7-5 victory, outlasting the Mets in a game that lasted over four hours. Hernández’s heroics earned him the game’s MVP honors, underscoring his pivotal role in the Dodgers’ offensive dominance.
For the Mets, the loss dropped their record to 30-21, but their resilience in tying the game in the ninth showcased their never-say-die attitude. Despite the defeat, standout performances from players like Jeff McNeil, who returned from a wrist injury to contribute a sacrifice fly in the NLCS and start in this game, provided hope for future matchups.
Key Performers: Mets’ Grit vs. Dodgers’ Firepower
New York Mets
- Pete Alonso: The Mets’ first baseman continued to be an offensive force, driving in a run with an infield single and sparking the team’s early lead. His .292 batting average and 37 RBIs lead the team, making him a cornerstone of the Mets’ lineup.
- Francisco Lindor: The shortstop’s power and patience were on display, with a leadoff walk and a run scored in the first inning. His 10 home runs rank him among the league’s top power threats.
- Griffin Canning: Despite being pulled early due to the rain delay, Canning’s 2.47 ERA and 5-1 record highlight his importance to the Mets’ rotation. His ability to keep hitters off balance was evident in the scoreless first inning.
- Jeff McNeil: The second baseman, back from a fractured wrist, made his presence felt with a contact-heavy approach. His sacrifice fly in the NLCS and start in this game underscored his value to the Mets’ postseason aspirations.
Los Angeles Dodgers
- Shohei Ohtani: The two-way superstar led the league with 17 home runs and slashed .304 with 31 RBIs, posing a constant threat. His leadoff single in the first inning set the tone for the Dodgers’ relentless offense.
- Mookie Betts: Betts’ versatility shone through, with a .267 batting average, eight homers, and a three-game hit streak entering the game. His line drive in the first inning nearly gave the Dodgers an early lead.
- Teoscar Hernández: The game’s hero, Hernández’s 13th-inning RBI double clinched the victory, adding to his postseason legacy against the Mets.
- Freddie Freeman: The Dodgers’ most consistent bat, Freeman’s .368 average and five-game hitting streak made him a formidable presence in the lineup.
Strategic Decisions and Bullpen Management
The Mets rain delay forced both managers to adapt quickly. For the Mets, Carlos Mendoza’s decision to use all eight bullpen arms, including Edwin Diaz in a high-leverage ninth inning, nearly paid off with the game-tying rally. However, the exhaustion of the bullpen left the Mets vulnerable in extra innings.
Dave Roberts, meanwhile, managed the Dodgers’ bullpen conservatively, avoiding high-leverage relievers like Evan Phillips until the ninth. This strategy preserved key arms for the final innings, allowing Hernández’s double to seal the win. Roberts’ experience in high-pressure situations, including his role in the 2004 Red Sox’s historic comeback, informed his calm approach.
Where to Watch Mets vs. Dodgers
Fans wondering where to watch Mets vs. Dodgers had several options for this game. The matchup aired live on FS1, with streaming available on Fubo for those without cable. For viewers facing regional broadcast restrictions, a VPN like NordVPN was recommended to bypass blackout restrictions. The game’s 7:10 p.m. ET start time made it accessible to a wide audience, though the rain delay extended the broadcast into the early morning.
The Broader Context: A Rivalry Renewed
The Dodgers vs. Mets game on May 23, 2025, was more than just a regular-season contest—it was a continuation of a rivalry that has defined postseason baseball in recent years. The 2024 NLCS, where the Dodgers won 3-1 before the Mets’ Game 5 explosion, set the stage for this high-stakes rematch. The Mets’ ability to rally from deficits, as seen in their 2024 postseason run, including Francisco Lindor’s ninth-inning homer in Atlanta and Pete Alonso’s go-ahead shot in Milwaukee, underscores their resilience.
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For the Dodgers, the victory reinforced their status as National League powerhouses. With a major-league-best 98 wins in 2024 and a star-studded lineup, they remain favorites for another World Series run. However, the Mets’ grit and depth suggest that future New York Mets vs. LA Dodgers matchups will continue to produce fireworks.
Fan Reactions and Social Media Buzz
Social media platforms like X buzzed with reactions to the game. Fans praised the Mets’ ninth-inning comeback, with one user noting, “The Mets came back from three runs down in the ninth inning then left a bunch of runners on base in four scoreless extra frames.” Others highlighted the bullpen strain, with comments like, “Because of the long rain delay, the Mets and Dodgers had their starters pulled after 2 innings, consequently, both teams used up practically their entire bullpen.” These sentiments captured the game’s intensity and the toll it took on both teams.
Looking Ahead: Implications for the Season
The loss was a setback for the Mets, but their 30-21 record and 17-5 home performance indicate a team poised for another postseason push. With players like Jeff McNeil returning to form and Griffin Canning anchoring the rotation, the Mets remain a formidable force.
For the Dodgers, the win solidified their position atop the National League. Their 31-19 record and 12-11 road performance reflect a balanced team capable of winning in any environment. As they prepare for the next game in the series, the Dodgers will look to maintain their offensive dominance and bullpen depth.
Conclusion
The New York Mets vs. Los Angeles Dodgers game on May 23, 2025, was a microcosm of why the Dodgers-Mets rivalry remains one of baseball’s most compelling. From the Mets rain delay to Teoscar Hernández’s clutch 13th-inning double, the game delivered drama, strategy, and unforgettable moments. Whether you watched at Citi Field or streamed it on FS1, this Mets game was a testament to the enduring passion of baseball fans. As the season progresses, both teams will undoubtedly add more chapters to this storied rivalry.
FAQs
Q: Where can I watch Mets vs. Dodgers games?
A: Mets vs. Dodgers games are typically broadcast on FS1, ESPN, or regional networks like SNY for Mets fans and SportsNet LA for Dodgers fans. Streaming options include Fubo, and a VPN like NordVPN can bypass regional restrictions.
Q: How did the Mets perform in their 2024 NLCS against the Dodgers?
A: The Mets lost the 2024 NLCS to the Dodgers in six games but won Game 5 decisively, 12-6, at Citi Field, forcing a Game 6 in Los Angeles.
Q: What was the impact of the rain delay in the May 23, 2025, game?
A: The Mets rain delay after two innings forced both teams to rely heavily on their bullpens, with the Mets using all eight relievers and the Dodgers using seven, leading to a grueling 13-inning game.
Q: How has Jeff McNeil contributed to the Mets in 2025?
A: Jeff McNeil, returning from a wrist injury, started in the May 23, 2025, game and has been a key contact hitter, with a sacrifice fly in the 2024 NLCS and a strong presence in the lineup.
Q: What is the historical record between the Mets and Dodgers?
A: Since 1993, the Dodgers have won 98 of 176 games against the Mets, who have won 78. The Dodgers average 4.5 runs per game compared to the Mets’ 3.9.
Reference:
- MLB.com: Official Site of Major League Baseball
- ESPN: Dodgers vs. Mets Game Summary
- Goal.com: How to Watch Mets vs. Dodgers
- NorthJersey.com: Mets vs. Dodgers NLCS Coverage
- Yahoo Sports: Dodgers vs. Mets Game Updates
