NL CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES: METS VS DODGERS

October 18, 2024

Carlos Mendoza

Citi Field

New York Mets

Postgame 5 Press Conference

Mets - 12, Dodgers - 6

Q. This is the third time in postseason history that a team scored 10-plus runs and didn't strike out in a game. What can you say about your team's performance today?

CARLOS MENDOZA: We're capable of putting together games like this, especially when 1 through 9, we're clicking, we're not chasing. I thought today we did a really good job with their starter, where he was trying to get us to chase, and we didn't do that.

We attacked him when he tried to come in the zone, and we did some damage. But 1 through 9, we've got a good offense.

We showed up today. We needed that. Obviously Pete setting the tone in the first inning was important. We just continued to add on.

Q. What was the last time your team didn't strike out in a game?

CARLOS MENDOZA: That's a good question, especially when you're facing a pitching staff like this. In the playoff, in general, you're facing elite pitching. I don't remember, to be honest with you. So I'll take it.

Q. You mentioned it briefly here, but obviously Alonso hitting that three-run homer in the first inning really set the tone for the whole game, didn't it?

CARLOS MENDOZA: Yeah, absolutely. I'll go back to the top of the first when they had runners at second and third and we got out of it. You've got to give Petey some credit there because he kept making pitches. But then right after, couple of good at-bats. And then Pete with a big one to set the tone.

And we need today continue to add on because we saw it. They're not going to -- they're not going to shut down. They're going to continue to put pressure on you. That's a really good offense there. I'm proud of the guys. Definitely Pete, a big one in the first inning.

Q. He also had a great night overall, scored four runs and was on base four times.

CARLOS MENDOZA: Pete?

Q. Yeah.

CARLOS MENDOZA: The at-bats were really good. The walk, that second at-bat I think it was, the 3-2 take, the slider. Again, trying to make him chase.

He got us going. And Winker and we continued to put together some really good at-bats, obviously with Marte and Alvie as well.

I thought that Pete did a really good job controlling the strike zone today.

Q. With Alvarez in particular, after that rough Game 3, on base five consecutive times the next two nights. You talked about him making an adjustment to catch up to the fastball. What have you seen from him in these last two games in that regard?

CARLOS MENDOZA: I think the biggest thing was trying to keep it simple. Not trying to swing too hard and just be short to the ball, be on time, and just basically relax.

I know when you're struggling, you've got a lot of people in your ears and you need to do this, need to do that. Especially this time of the year, the simple the better. That's what he did. Just trying to stay short to the ball, see the ball.

I know it's easy for me to sit here and say it, but he's also doing it. He's a really good player. I've been saying it. And he's showing it right now. He's a big part of this team.

Q. For you, what was the biggest difference in your at-bats tonight against Flaherty versus Game 1?

CARLOS MENDOZA: We didn't chase his secondary pitches. We know he's got that slider and the knuckle curve, and he's going to try to make us chase and we didn't do that today. And when he came in the zone with his fastball, we were ready, and that's the key.

When you get in between, that's when he's going to give you trouble. But we were ready for the fastball, and then we lay off some of the secondary pitches there.

Q. What does Winker bring to this lineup when he's having a day like today? And how do you foresee using him for Game 6 or Game 7?

CARLOS MENDOZA: He's going to give you a quality at-bat. He controls the strike zone. And he's got power. He's got conviction behind his swing decisions and we saw it today.

He brings a lot of energy as well, and he's a good hitter. So, yeah, I'm going to need him.