In a thrilling Game 5 of the National League Championship Series (NLCS), Pete Alonso propelled the New York Mets to a 12-6 victory over the Los Angeles Dodgers with a three-run homer.

Despite this win, the Mets still find themselves in a challenging position, trailing the series 3-2 and needing to secure two victories in Los Angeles to advance.

The series continues with Game 6 set for Sunday evening at Dodger Stadium, where the Mets are determined to force a decisive Game 7.

Starling Marte was instrumental in the Mets' success, contributing four hits, including three doubles and three RBIs, while Francisco Alvarez also had a breakout game with three hits and an RBI.

Mets closer Edwin Díaz showcased his skills by pitching two solid innings, allowing just one hit and striking out two batters, reinforcing the team's defensive efforts.

The victory took place in front of a sold-out crowd of 43,841 at Citi Field, marking a significant turnaround for the Mets after their previous struggles.

Manager Carlos Mendoza expressed confidence in his team's experience in high-pressure situations, which was evident in their relaxed demeanor before the game.

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts acknowledged the team's resilient 'us-against-the-world' mentality, despite the absence of key players like Freddie Freeman.

Alonso, who had a below-average regular season, has excelled in the playoffs, demonstrating a .990 OPS, which has been crucial for the Mets.

Shortstop Francisco Lindor emphasized the importance of learning from their past performances as the Mets prepare for the upcoming games.

The Dodgers, meanwhile, are benefiting from strong performances by key players like Shohei Ohtani and Mookie Betts, who have been pivotal in their postseason success.

As the series progresses, both teams are making strategic adjustments, with the Mets looking to capitalize on their recent momentum and the Dodgers aiming to solidify their lead.