New York Mets vs. Los Angeles Dodgers, Mets win series 3-2

Game 5: Jacob deGrom (NYM) vs. Zack Greinke (LAD) – New York 3, Los Angeles 2

To everyone’s relief, I’m sure, the Mets squeaked one out over the Dodgers last night, erasing any chance of L.A. riding Chase Utley’s cleat spikes to a World Series. Instead, Jacob deGrom invited his teammates to jump on his back, spread his mighty wings of hair, and flapped like his life depended on it.

Not really. Instead, Daniel Murphy (of all people) continued his torrid postseason pace by contributing to each of New York’s 3 runs. He started in the top of the 1st with a double to drive Curtis Granderson in from first base despite Zack Greinke otherwise striking out the side.

Unfortunately, deGrom looked pretty sloppy in his first inning of work, giving up 4 consecutive 1-out singles to put the Dodgers in front 2-1.

Also, quick sidenote: this has already been pointed out by people who are better and quicker on the uptake than I am, but Jacob deGrom and Taran Killam (from Saturday Night Live) have basically the same face.

Jacob deGrom or Taran Killam? pic.twitter.com/PJbxcyBoLf

— Paul Brennan. (@PaulyBrennan) October 16, 2015

Just thought I’d let you know. Anyway, now down 2-1, the Mets went in order until Murphy singled on the first pitch of the 4th inning and, in a move I haven’t seen since Little League, stole third on a walk when third base was left uncovered on the shift the Dodgers had on for Lucas Duda.

A deep sacrifice fly to right field later, the game was tied again. 2-2.

After a few tense if uneventful innings (playoff baseball at its best!), Murphy came to the plate again with 1 out in the 6th. He didn’t disappoint.

From there on, the Mets did more threatening to score than the Dodgers did – in fact, only Adrian Gonzalez reached base for Los Angeles on a 2-out, 7th inning walk drawn off newly minted reliever Noah Syndergaard.

It probably made victory a little sweeter for Mets fans when Chase Utley lined out against Jeurys Familia to start the 9th inning.

The playoffs are so fucking great.

League Championship Series

Toronto Blue Jays vs. Kansas City Royals

Tonight, Friday, 8:07 ET, in Kansas City. Marco Estrada (TOR) vs. Edinson Volquez (KC)

Chicago Cubs vs. New York Mets

Tomorrow, Saturday, 8:07 ET, in New York. Jon Lester (CHC) vs. Matt Harvey (NYM)