- Pete Alonso becomes first MLB player with multiple 5-RBI games in 2024
- Griffin Canning records 7 strikeouts over 6 scoreless innings
- Dodgers' middle lineup goes 0-15 amid defensive miscues
In a masterclass of power hitting, New York's Pete Alonso demonstrated why he remains one of baseball's most feared sluggers. The first baseman's 447-foot blast in the eighth inning capped a dominant performance that saw him drive in 71% of the Mets' total runs. This marked Alonso's third multi-homer game this season, tying him with Baltimore's Gunnar Henderson for the MLB lead.
Griffin Canning's precision pitching proved equally vital to New York's victory. The right-hander generated 14 swinging strikes on his slider alone, holding Los Angeles' potent offense to a .143 batting average with runners in scoring position. His ability to strand 5 baserunners through six innings continues a trend of Mets starters posting a 2.98 ERA in day games this season.
The Dodgers' defensive struggles resurfaced at critical moments, with Kiké Hernández's first-inning error leading to two unearned runs. Los Angeles has now committed 12 errors in its last 15 games - a 27% increase over their season average. Manager Dave Roberts acknowledged post-game that late-inning execution separates contenders from pretenders in July.
Analysis of West Coast teams' performance shows a 9-14 record against East Division opponents this month. The Dodgers' .382 slugging percentage in interdivision play ranks 21st league-wide, contrasting sharply with their .517 mark against NL West rivals. This regional disparity could influence trade deadline strategies for multiple clubs.
With Thursday's series finale looming, the Mets' bullpen enters with a 1.02 WHIP in late-and-close situations - third-best in the National League. Conversely, Dodgers relievers have surrendered 11 home runs in seventh innings or later since June 1, potentially creating late-game opportunities for New York's surging offense.