MLB Playoffs: ALCS, NLCS Friday live updates, analysis

A team is one win out of the World Series. Another is a turnaround win in the championship series.

In the opening game, the Los Angeles Dodgers were unable to punch their ticket to the Fall Classic and lost to the New York Mets in Game 5 of the NLCS. Now they have to win one of two as the series moves back to LA

Meanwhile, if the Cleveland Guardians can follow up their instant, classic win over the New York Yankees last night with another win tonight, they will move into a tie for the ALCS.

We've covered everything from live updates and analysis during games to insights after the final pitch and next steps for each team.

Jump to: Takeaways | Live updates

Live updates

Takeaways

Dodgers lead the series 3-2

The Mets just don't want to go away. In Game 5, they took care of things against a not-so-strong Jack Flaherty and staved off elimination with an offensive attack. It started with Pete Alonso's three-run hit in the first inning – he golfed to center it off his cleats – then continued with a five-run hit in the third inning and finally chased Flaherty. If Dave Roberts had a quicker hook, the Dodgers might have been able to stage a comeback as their offense came to life thanks to Andy Pages hitting two home runs. Instead, New York pressed on and forced LA to respond. At one point the visitors scored four runs in a row thanks to Pages and Mookie Betts also going deep, but it was more than possible. The story of the game was Flaherty. He had nothing left just five days after shutting out the Mets over seven innings. Dodgers pitchers failed to hit a Mets, marking the first time since 2002 that a team had zero K's in a playoff game.

What to watch in Game 6: The day off will do both bullpens some good, but the starting pitching advantage goes to the Mets as Sean Manaea will start on an extra day of rest – something much needed this time of year. Do you think the Dodgers can't lose two in a row at home? Look at last year's Phillies, who lost Games 6 and 7 to the Diamondbacks. The Mets have the same “backs against the wall” mojo. And they grimace! Of course, the Dodgers have Shohei Ohtani. It should be a good conclusion to a series that has had some slip-ups so far. –Jesse Rogers

Matchups

New York Yankees at Cleveland Guardians, 8:08 p.m

The Yankees lead the series 2-1

Pitching matchup: Luis Gil (15-7, 3.50 ERA) vs. Gavin Williams (3-10, 4.86 ERA)

Starting lineups:

Yankees

Gleyber Torres (R) 2B
Juan Soto (left) RF
Aaron Judge (R) CF
Jazz Chisholm Jr. (L) 3B
Giancarlo Stanton (R) DH
Anthony Rizzo (L) 1B
Anthony Volpe (R) SS
Austin Wells (left) C
Alex Verdugo (L) LF

Guardian

Steven Kwan (L) LF
Kyle Manzardo (left) DH
Jose Ramirez (S) 3B
Josh Naylor (L) 1B
Lane Thomas (R) CF
Daniel Schneemann (L) RF
Andres Gimenez (L) 2B
Austin Hedges (R) C
Brayan Rocchio (S) SS