NEW YORK — On Friday night, the Dodgers emerged victorious, technically speaking. The defending champions outlasted the Mets 7-5 in an ugly, delirious, rain-soaked, 13-inning slopfest. The game started at 7:10 p.m. ET. It ended just before 1 a.m.
There will be bleary-eyed ballplayers on Saturday.
Even though L.A. won the battle, the night that would not end has created something of a conundrum. Ahead of the Dodgers: a grueling month-long stretch, 26 consecutive games against teams with winning records. To commence that imposing slice of the schedule, this club would have loved a simple, painless opening act.