**Dodgers Poised to Eliminate Mets in Game 5 of NLCS**

In a high-stakes showdown at Citi Field on Friday, October 18th, the Los Angeles Dodgers aim to clinch their spot in the World Series by defeating the New York Mets in Game 5 of the NLCS. Ahead 3-1 in the series, the Dodgers have displayed dominant form, outscoring the Mets 18-2 over the last two games. Meanwhile, the Mets find themselves with their backs against the wall, needing a victory to keep their postseason hopes alive.

For the Mets, recent performances have been troubling. Despite an initial series win against the Brewers in the Wild Card round and a strong showing against the Phillies in the NLDS, New York has struggled mightily in the NLCS. Their pitching staff, which posted a respectable 3.96 ERA during the regular season, has faltered, conceding a staggering combination of 10, 8, and 9 runs in their three losses of the series. Offensively, the Mets have relied heavily on Pete Alonso, who hit .240 with 34 home runs and 88 RBIs this season, but his contributions alone have not been enough to turn the tide.

On the opposite side, the Dodgers have asserted themselves as a formidable force. Winning three out of five games against the Padres in the NLDS, they managed to shut out San Diego in two consecutive games. This momentum has carried over to their latest matchups, where their pitching staff, boasting a 3.90 ERA and a .235 opponent batting average, has delivered consistently. Offensively, they are led by Shohei Ohtani, whose stellar season included a .310 batting average, 54 home runs, and 130 RBIs.

Friday’s pitching matchup will feature Jack Flaherty for the Dodgers, who previously stifled the Mets with zero runs and two hits over seven innings in this series. Flaherty’s recent form has been mixed, allowing a combined seven earned runs over 10.1 innings against the Padres in his last four starts before his stellar performance against the Mets. For the Mets, David Peterson will take the mound. He allowed two earned runs in his previous 2.1 innings against the Dodgers but hasn’t pitched more than three innings in any postseason game so far.

Key statistics favor the Dodgers heavily. They are on a seven-game winning streak on the road after playing the day prior and have an unbeaten record at Citi Field in recent postseason encounters. Furthermore, the Dodgers have consistently led games early, maintaining leads after three and five innings in their last five night playoff games. Offensively, they lead the league with a slugging percentage of .446 and rank second in runs scored with 842.

With the Mets ranking 28th in walks allowed this season and struggling as home underdogs, the odds appear stacked against them. The prediction heavily leans towards the Dodgers maintaining their offensive onslaught and strong pitching to secure a win and progress to the World Series. David Racey has tipped the Dodgers to win, reflecting the overall consensus that Los Angeles seems poised for victory.