The National League Championship Series (NLCS) shifts to Citi Field as the Los Angeles Dodgers (98-64) face off against the New York Mets (89-73) in Game 3. After a dominant 9-0 victory in Game 1, the Dodgers suffered a setback in Game 2, losing 7-3 to the Mets, who managed to seize home-field advantage. Tonight, Walker Buehler (5.38 ERA) takes the mound for Los Angeles, while New York counters with Luis Severino (3.91 ERA). Currently, the Mets hold a slight edge as favorites at -115 on the moneyline. Game time is set for 8:08 PM EST, broadcast on FS1.
For reliable MLB picks, our MLB Predictions are consistently strong.
Dodgers Face Pitching Dilemmas
When discussing the Dodgers, names like Shohei Ohtani and Mookie Betts often dominate the conversation, overshadowing a critical issue: the team’s pitching struggles. With three of their top starters currently sidelined on the injured list, the Dodgers are left with a limited rotation. Gavin Stone, Tyler Glasnow, and James Paxton would typically be expected to contribute, but their absence has forced the Dodgers to scramble for alternatives at a pivotal moment in the postseason.
The Dodgers found themselves in a 6-0 hole by the second inning of Game 2, making it exceedingly challenging for their offense to mount a comeback. Although Max Muncy connected for a home run in the fifth and Tommy Edman added a two-RBI single in the sixth, the damage had already been inflicted, leading to a 7-3 defeat. For the Dodgers to advance further, they must rely on their high-caliber hitters, who faltered in Game 2. Notably, Ohtani, Betts, Teoscar Hernandez, and Freddie Freeman went hitless in the game. Despite their postseason prowess—Betts and Hernandez each hitting two home runs—Ohtani’s outstanding regular season stats of 54 home runs and 130 RBIs highlight the potential that remains untapped. Manager Dave Roberts remains committed to having Ohtani bat leadoff, emphasizing, “I want Shohei to get five at-bats a game. I think he’s our best hitter, and I want him up there five times.”
Walker Buehler takes the mound for Los Angeles, having started 16 games this season with a disappointing 1-6 record. He concluded the regular season with a 5.38 ERA, accumulating 64 strikeouts against 28 walks, while allowing 16 home runs. In his playoff debut against the Padres, Buehler surrendered six earned runs over five innings. Notably, he did not face the Mets during the regular season.
Mets Strike Early in Game 2
In playoff baseball, pitching often takes center stage, but this NLCS has seen teams leaning on alternative strategies. The Mets opted for a bullpen approach in Game 1, resulting in a nine-run loss. In Game 2, the Dodgers attempted a similar strategy but quickly fell behind, allowing six runs in the first two innings. The team with the stronger starting pitcher has prevailed in both games thus far, with the Mets’ Francisco Lindor igniting Game 2 with a leadoff home run.
Unbeknownst to Lindor, the Dodgers’ pitching staff had entered Game 2 riding a streak of 33 consecutive scoreless innings. After the game, he remarked, “I didn’t know it. I was just trying to have a quality at-bat and get the guys going.” Although Lindor’s home run was his only hit in the game, he also scored after drawing a walk in the second inning. With a season total of 33 home runs and leading the Mets with 91 RBIs, Lindor’s performance has been pivotal. Mark Vientos further cemented the victory with a grand slam in the second inning, marking his third home run of the postseason and contributing four RBIs in just his second playoff game. Starling Marte also showcased his skills with three hits, including an RBI-double in the eighth inning.
The Mets are set to start Luis Severino, a 30-year-old right-hander who made 31 regular-season starts and finished with an 11-7 record. His ERA stood at 3.91, with 161 strikeouts against 60 walks. Severino has made two playoff starts, giving up three earned runs in each. Notably, he did not face the Dodgers during the regular season.
Betting Insights for Dodgers vs. Mets
Both teams showcase immense offensive talent, making this matchup intriguing. The squad that can capitalize on the other’s pitching weaknesses is likely to emerge victorious, and the Mets appear poised to do so in this game. With both initial games exceeding the total runs, pitching remains the true determining factor in this series. The Dodgers claimed Game 1 with Flaherty on the mound against a Mets bullpen, while the opposite occurred in Game 2, with the Mets triumphing due to Manaea’s strong performance against the Dodgers’ bullpen. This game presents an opportunity for the Mets to utilize one of their top starters, Severino, against Buehler, whose struggles with a 5.38 ERA and 1-6 record are well-documented. Buehler’s poor performance this season raises questions about his effectiveness, especially after allowing six runs in his recent outing against San Diego. In contrast, Severino offers valuable postseason experience, having started 13 playoff games, which could keep the Mets competitive as their offense maintains its momentum against Buehler.
