What the Yankees can learn from the Mets in Game 5 of the World Series

NEW YORK — It doesn’t happen often Yankees can lean on Mets for anything. The former was something of a big brother to the latter in New York, enjoying most of the spoils while bragging about it.

Now, with the Yankees one loss away from elimination, a sign of hope could be Dodgers starter Jack Flaherty’s second start against the Mets in the NLCS.

After eliminating the Mets over seven innings in Game 1 of the NLCS, Flaherty allowed eight runs on eight hits and four walks over three innings at Citi Field in Game 5. As a result, the Mets won 12-6 and forced the Mets to bow out in Game 6 in Los Angeles — the Yankees expect the same result, but in the World Series.

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Flaherty will be the starter in Game 5 of the World Series on Wednesday at Yankee Stadium. This will be the second time the Yankees will see the 6-foot-10 right-hander, who allowed just two runs in 5 1/3 innings in Game 1.

The Yankees will also have a slight advantage. Flaherty had to strain his hamstring in his first game against the Yankees.

“It created a little bit of extra work that I wouldn’t normally have to do, but I feel good today, just like I did yesterday during my bullpen,” Flaherty said. “It’s not something I’m worried about at this point.”

Flaherty’s postseason has been inconsistent. Every right start is met with an equally wrong start. It started badly against the Padres in the NLDS, where he allowed four runs in 5 1/3 innings, followed by his perfect performance in the first game against the Mets in the NLCS. Then, after a poor performance in Game 5 of the NLCS, he made a decent start against the Yankees.

In total, Flaherty’s allowed 14 earned runs in 20 2/3 innings for an ERA of 6.10. He’s also prone to allowing home runs, which the Yankees suddenly started hitting Tuesday saw an 11-4 victory in game four – The Yankees beat the Dodgers three to two.

Flaherty has allowed the second-most home runs (four) in the postseason. He’s chasing Yankees right-hander Carlos Rodón (five), who is scheduled to take the ball in Game 6 in Los Angeles.