The Dodgers called on a rarely used strategy to find a way to survive against the Mets in the wee hours of Saturday morning.
In a tie game in the bottom of the 12th, the Mets loaded the bases with one out. The Dodgers opted to bring in a fifth infielder with Luis Torrens at the plate to give themselves the best chance of cutting down the winning run at the plate.
Tommy Edman trotted in from centerfield to play as the extra man on the dirt.
Torrens delivered exactly the type of contact the Dodgers hoped for. He pulled a grounder to the left side, and L.A. went around the horn for a 5-4-3 double play to go to the 13th.
The @Dodgers turn the double play!
— MLB (@MLB) May 24, 2025
To the 13th inning we go 🤯 pic.twitter.com/DWBpCxZPgM
MORE: Ronald Acuna Jr. makes an epic injury return on very first pitch he sees
Edman didn't touch the ball (he's the guy ducking out of the way of the throw). But his presence allowed the Dodgers to tightly pack the left side where they anticipated a grounder, and it worked.
The Dodgers scored two runs in the top of the 13th to win on a night that lasted more than six hours from start to finish due to more than 90 minutes of rain delay mixed in.
The five-man infield rarely shows up, and when it does, the contact that is then induced doesn't bring the crowded fielding arrangement into play.
This time, though, Dave Roberts drew up the perfect call at the perfect time, and the Dodgers went home winners because of it.
MORE MLB NEWS:
- Chicago Cubs do something for first time since 1898 Chicago Orphans
- Bryce Harper has best stats in baseball since his haircut
- Tigers legend announces comeback from retirement
- Mariners' Cal Raleigh on pace for best catcher season in MLB history
- Orioles top prospect Samuel Basallo begging for a call-up
- Aaron Judge hits homer in a way he never has before