This has been a heated series highlighted by a controversy centered on a Chase Utley slide. That slide broke the leg of shortstop Ruben Tejada and the Mets took out their frustration in Game 3, clobbering the Dodgers 13-7 to take the series lead.
ODDS ANALYSIS
The Mets have the momentum after the loss of Tejada lit a spark. There was thought that they’d look for retaliation, but there was none, outside of a commanding win. Of course, Utley didn’t get to the plate so there could still be retribution later in this series.
New York will try and take advantage of home field advantage again. Including their win on Monday, the Mets are 50-32 at home.
The Mets absolutely dominated the Dodgers, but the 13-7 final score makes it sound closer than it actually was. Los Angeles tacked on three runs against Pedro Baez in the ninth, but by then the game was long over.
PITCHING MATCHUP
The other guy wasn’t able to get it done, so the Dodgers will return to their pair of aces with Clayton Kershaw getting the start in Game 4.
The 27-year old southpaw took the loss in Game 1, giving up three runs in six and two-thirds innings. The loss was Kershaw’s fifth straight in the postseason.
He’ll need to put a stop to that concerning streak on Tuesday to help the Dodgers extend this series. After all, he did lead the league in FIP in the regular season at 1.99.
While the Dodgers turn to their ace, the Mets will give the ball to a southpaw of their own in 24-year old Steven Matz.
This will be Matz’s postseason debut as the rookie lefty made just six regular season starts though they were impressive as he went 4-0 with a 2.27 ERA and 1.234 WHIP in 35 2/3 innings of work.
In his second career start, Matz held the Dodgers scoreless, allowing just two hits and two walks in six innings back on July 5.
QUOTE TO NOTE
David Wright, Yoenis Cespedes and Curtis Granderson get most of the attention, but catcher Travis d’Arnaud may actually be the key. His bat has come around. Manager Terry Collins spoke highly of him after Game 3, saying:
“Travis has come a long way. Our guys like pitching to him.”
LIVE/SITUATIONAL BETTING
On Monday, the Mets scored early and often, tallying 10 runs by the fourth and added three more in the seventh.
New York got a pair of home runs by spark plug and cleanup hitter Cespedes who ended the game going 3-for-5. He wasn’t the only Mets’ batter with three hits, as d’Arnaud also laced three hits, driving in three.
The Mets have power and depth. They have six players with an OPS north of .810.
The Dodgers are also a deep team with power and versatility. They also have a much less accomplished pitcher to face.
PROP TALK
Ruben Tejada has had as much success against Kershaw as any other Met, but due to a questionable slide by Chase Utley in Game 2, the shortstop is on the sidelines with Wilmer Flores at short in his place.
Flores has far fewer at bats against Kershaw, but at 3-for-6, he’s still had some success. He’s also got a higher overall OPS, though Tejada was playing better to end the regular season and is a much better defender.
ANALYSIS AND PREDICTION
Kershaw is one of, if not the, best pitchers in the sport. His three Cy Young Awards and four straight ERA titles are evidence of that. Still, he’s been unable to get over the postseason hump.
Meanwhile, the Mets are motivated. They have home field advantage and their bats came alive on Monday.
While momentum is only as good as your next day’s starter, Matz has shown—in limited action—that he’s got the stuff to matchup with anyone.
The Mets’ need this win at home and should be able to get it, even against the Dodgers whose bullpen is less of a certainty.
New York 4, Los Angeles 3
The MLB odds for this game will be available first at BookMaker Sportsbook. Gamble on the game between every half inning with BookMaker’s live betting feature. Along with an adjusted in-game moneyline, you can wager on what will happen in the next at-bat or how many runs will be scored in the next inning. Live betting is the most exciting way to play!
Load your betting bankroll from your smartphone with BookMaker’s new cashier feature! Depositing and withdrawing funds from your account has never been easier. BookMaker's live betting platform means you always have access to odds and lines to every sporting event. Click here and start wagering today! First pitch for the game between the Los Angeles Dodgers and New York Mets is scheduled for Tuesday, October 13, 2015, at 8:07 p.m. ET at Citi Field. The contest will be broadcast nationally on TBS.
