Game 2 of the National League Championship Series (NLCS) is scheduled for Monday afternoon, featuring the New York Mets (89-73) facing off against the Los Angeles Dodgers (98-64). The Dodgers took a commanding lead in the series with a decisive 9-0 victory in Game 1 on Sunday. The Mets aim to keep their surprising postseason journey alive after defeating the NL Central champions, the Milwaukee Brewers, in the Wild Card round and overcoming the NL East champions, the Philadelphia Phillies, in the Divisional Round. Meanwhile, Los Angeles, boasting the best record in baseball this season, narrowly advanced past the San Diego Padres in the National League Division Series (NLDS). Sean Manaea (3.47 ERA) will take the mound for the Mets, while the Dodgers have not yet confirmed their starting pitcher. The first pitch is set for 4:08 PM EST from Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, and fans can catch the action on FOX.
Mets Face Setback
The New York Mets entered the postseason with high hopes but experienced a setback on Sunday night, as they struggled against Dodgers pitcher Jack Flaherty, who pitched seven scoreless innings and allowed only two hits. Mets manager Carlos Mendoza addressed the media after the game, stating, “He was getting ahead with his fastball, and then the slider and breaking ball kept us off-balance. He was making the right pitches.” The Mets’ offense fell flat, managing just three hits, with none coming from their top five batters.
Despite this loss, New York’s lineup has shown promise throughout the postseason. Pete Alonso, once a subject of trade rumors, has emerged as a key player, hitting a crucial home run to help eliminate the Brewers. He led the Mets with 34 home runs and contributed 88 RBIs during the regular season, despite a batting average of .240. Francisco Lindor, the leadoff hitter, also made a significant impact, belting 33 home runs and leading the team with 91 RBIs and 29 stolen bases. Mark Vientos has been a standout performer in the playoffs, boasting a batting average over .400 and two home runs. Brandon Nimmo, batting third, added depth to the lineup with 23 home runs and 15 stolen bases this season.
The Mets will rely on Sean Manaea in this crucial matchup. He has made two postseason appearances so far, allowing two earned runs in five innings against the Brewers and just one earned run over seven innings in a victory against the Phillies. Manaea finished the regular season with a 3.47 ERA and a 12-6 record, tallying 184 strikeouts while allowing 21 home runs. He faced the Dodgers once this season, surrendering two earned runs over five innings in a no-decision.
Dodgers Dominate Game 1
The Dodgers established their dominance in Game 1, thanks to Jack Flaherty’s impressive performance on the mound, which included seven scoreless innings. After the game, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts praised Flaherty, saying, “It was just a pitching clinic. He filled up the strike zone with his complete mix. Once we had the lead, he attacked the hitters effectively. Securing seven innings in a long series was huge for us.” Los Angeles scored nine runs, with Mookie Betts contributing a decisive bases-clearing double in the eighth inning.
Throughout the season, the Dodgers have demonstrated one of the most potent offenses in baseball, ranking second in runs scored and third in home runs. Shohei Ohtani, a standout player, achieved a remarkable milestone by hitting 54 home runs and stealing 59 bases. He has been a reliable leadoff hitter with a .310 batting average. Mookie Betts, who missed some time due to injury, still managed to bat .289 with 19 home runs and 79 RBIs. Freddie Freeman, batting third, also made significant contributions with 22 home runs and 88 RBIs. Teoscar Hernandez rounded out the lineup with an impressive 33 home runs and 99 RBIs.
While the Dodgers have yet to announce their Game 2 starter, there are rumors that it could be Walker Buehler. The right-hander finished the season with a 1-6 record and a 5.38 ERA. The team might also consider a bullpen approach, similar to the strategy the Mets employed in Game 1. The Dodgers’ pitching staff finished the regular season with the 13th-best ERA at 3.90.
Best Bets for the Mets vs. Dodgers Showdown
In the postseason, strong pitching is critical, and Game 1 highlighted that fact. The Dodgers showcased their pitching depth with Flaherty, while the Mets struggled with a bullpen game that featured five pitchers, none of whom could pitch three full innings. For Game 2, the Mets are sending Sean Manaea, who shone in his last outing against the Phillies, allowing just one earned run and going seven innings strong. Notably, during their encounter with Manaea this season, the Dodgers batted only .222.
The Dodgers have not confirmed their starter, but if it is Buehler, his 1-6 record raises concerns for a team with the best regular-season record. The Mets are expected to bounce back offensively, and fans shouldn’t expect their top five batters to go without a hit again. With their offense poised to awaken, the Mets have a strong chance to even the series in Game 2.
