When is Mets vs. Dodgers NLCS Game 6? Date, time and statements

NEW YORK – How quickly the mood changes in baseball’s postseason. The Mets’ early barrage in their 12-6 victory in Game 5 of the National League Championship Series forced the series back to Dodger Stadium for Game 6, where the Dodgers will once again attempt to punch their World Series ticket with a loaded bullpen to go — but perhaps without their star first baseman.

The Mets used both Ryne Stanek and closer Edwin Díaz for several innings in Game 5, knowing it was a must-win game with a day of rest to follow. The Dodgers will be in much better shape for Game 6 after Brent Honeywell spared most of his bullpen by gobbling up 14 outs.

“That’s playoff baseball right there,” Honeywell said. “Save the dogs.”

The Dodgers need another win to advance to their second World Series in five years.

The Mets need another win to keep their season alive.

“This team has struggled all year, so being in this position isn’t really new for us,” Mets designated hitter Jesse Winker said. “We just have to keep our heads down and keep going, keep pushing. It’s like one of those heavyweight prize fights. It will be one of them. And we are ready for it. We will give everything we can.”

When does the game take place and how can I watch it?
Game 6 will be played on Sunday at Dodger Stadium. First pitch is scheduled for 8:08 p.m. ET/5:08 p.m. PT on FS1.

All games are available in the US on MLB.TV (requires authentication with a participating pay-TV provider). Live games are also available in select countries outside the US. Detailed information can be found here.

Who are the starting pitchers?
Dodgers: TBD
The Dodgers will play a bullpen game on Sunday, but it is unclear who will serve as the opener. Ryan Brasier, who has opened both of the team’s bullpen games this postseason, is a likely option. However, Brasier allowed a home run to Francisco Lindor in the Game 2 loss.

Mets: LHP Sean Manaea (12-6, 3.47 in regular season)
Manaea held the Dodgers to two runs in five innings of his Game 2 start and limited them to two hits, but also four – as many as in his previous four starts combined. Overall, Manaea is 2-0 with a 2.65 ERA in three starts this postseason. He will take five days of rest this year, as he did in each of his last two playoff games.

What are the expected starting lineups?
Dodgers: With the left-hander on the mound and Freeman suffering a serious ankle injury, it’s possible the Dodgers will be without their star first baseman in Game 6, similar to their Game 4 win over Jose Quintana.

Mets: Manager Carlos Mendoza expects to rejoin Jose Iglesias at second base after starting Jeff McNeil for one game. The rest of the lineup should remain similar, as it has been for most of the postseason.

How will the bullpens line up after the starter?
Dodgers: After Honeywell won most innings behind Jack Flaherty in Game 5, the Dodgers should be in good shape with all of their high-impact relievers available for multiple innings if needed. Blake Treinen, Evan Phillips and Michael Kopech get strong support, and Brasier, Daniel Hudson and Anthony Banda add some depth to the team behind them. If Los Angeles needs some length, it can turn to Landon Knack — who struggled mightily in Game 2 — or Ben Casparius.

Mets: The Mets will certainly do their best to take advantage of the rest day on Saturday, but after using Stanek for seven outs and Díaz for six in Game 5, they will be shorthanded heading into Game 6. Phil Maton will at least be fully rested, but he hasn’t been effective throughout the postseason. Someone — whether Stanek, Díaz, Reed Garrett or Tylor Megill — may have to pitch less than 100 percent. In any case, the Mets will stick with Manaea for as long as possible.

Any notable injuries?
Dodgers: Freeman struggled at the plate as he continues to deal with a severe right ankle sprain, and he could be forced to miss Game 6. Since he spent the entire postseason, Freeman will be a game-time decision.

Mets: Although McNeil hasn’t seen much live pitching since breaking his right wrist on September 6, he has made 10 plate appearances in the Arizona Fall League and eight more in the NLCS. Mendoza said McNeil’s contact approach lends itself well to a successful return despite a recent lack of reps. In any case, McNeil is fully healthy and capable of contributing if the Mets call him.

Who’s hot and who’s not?
Dodgers: Betts hit a home run in back-to-back games for the second time this postseason and has now hit four home runs in October. Muncy was also one of the team’s best hitters, despite going 0-for-3 in Game 4.

On the other hand, the Dodgers are still waiting for Teoscar Hernández and Smith to give them more power. The two All-Stars struggled against the Mets, and Hernández is still looking for his first hit of the series.

Mets: Heading into Friday, Alonso qualified for the “not hot” section of this FAQ. He responded with a three-run home run in the first inning and reached base safely in each of his first three plate appearances in Game 5. Things can change so quickly in the offseason. Another example of this phenomenon is Alvarez, who went 6-for-36 in his first 11 playoff games before going 3-for-3 in his first three at-bats in Game 5.

Is there anything else fans would like to know?