World Series: Los Angeles Dodgers beat New York Mets to progress

Los Angeles Dodgers beat the New York Mets 10-5 to join the New York Yankees in the World Series.

Tommy Edman and Will Smith both hit two-run home runs to seal a 4-2 victory in the National League series final and book their fourth World Series appearance in the past eight seasons.

The Yankees won 5-2 in their best-of-seven American League Championship series final on Saturday to seal their first appearance since 2009.

“The way the season started, to end up in this situation is crazy,” said Edman, who was injured until August before being named the Most Valuable Player of the series.

“This is an amazing team. They welcomed me with open arms. I can’t wait to keep things going. This is what we’ve always dreamed about.”

The World Series is a best-of-seven contest and begins on Friday in Los Angeles.

It is a record 12th time the sides have met in the World Series, although their last meeting was in 1981.

The New York Yankees, who last won the series in 2009, are 8-3 against the Dodgers in World Series meetings.

The Dodgers’ Japanese superstar Shohei Ohtani, who last month created baseball history by becoming the first player to hit 50 home runs and steal 50 bases in a season, will play in his first World Series.

“It’s a place that I’ve dreamed of playing all my life. And to be able to finally come to the stage and be able to play and hopefully win it is my next goal,” he said.

“There are no easy games in the post-season. We really played well as a team. I’m glad that we were able to pull through.”