Reese Kaplan -- For All the Marbles

Well, the script may not have played out as Mets fans would have liked, but as a baseball fan there's nothing more exciting than a winner-take-all contest and that's what's on tap for Los Angeles in Game 5. Clayton Kershaw finally had the type of game in the post season upon which he's built his career and frankly you really have to tip your cap to him.

The anticipation of the reaction to the whole Chase Utley assault proved to be much ado about nothing. He had the right to play given his appeal, but he didn't make an appearance much to the delight of the league office and perhaps the disappointment of the out-for-blood fans. It's an unfortunate thing that the offending team in an altercation pretty much gets away with it as both teams are warned about retaliation.

In retrospect, there was a little bit of blame on Ruben Tejada's side as well. He was not positioned properly to make the play and he did miss the bag despite what “neighborhood play” advocates would say. No one deserves what happened to him, but his execution put him in the position to be vulnerable. Of course, it was Utley's brutal past-the-bag slide that ultimately broke his leg.

Fortunately, the Mets lived by the old, “Living well is the best revenge” credo and took the high road, putting an ass-whipping on the Dodgers third starter and assorted relievers, capped off with that missile that landed in the 2^nd deck by Yoenis Cespedes. Several players had notable games, including the game clearing double by Curtis Granderson and the blast off the bat of Travis d'Arnaud.

However, if the Mets are going to have a chance of winning this final game, they're going to need a lot more out of some of their players who have been sleepwalking throughout the series. I'm looking at you, Lucas Duda! David Wright had the timely hit in game one but not much since then. Michael Cuddyer's so-called veteran leadership has meant squat, and the limited ABs by role players haven't amounted to much.

One of the most pleasant surprises is new-found relief star, Bartolo Colon. He's been unflappable and effective. Too bad the same can't be said for other members of the bullpen not named Jeurys Familia.

Going into Game 5 with Jacob deGrom going up against Zack Greinke seems pretty much dead even. It could go either way. Hopefully the left handers on the Mets roster can deliver against the talented righty Grienke. deGrom has the right stuff to dominate. With Noah Syndergaard waiting in the wings the Mets have to feel pretty good about their chances.

Let's Go Mets!