Kershaw had struggled in the postseason leading into Game 4, but he held the Mets to a single run over seven innings. The Dodgers’ win tied the series at two, bringing the series back to Los Angeles for a winner-take-all showdown in Game 5.
ODDS ANALYSIS
The Mets and Dodgers split the first two games in Los Angeles, but the Dodgers this year have shown home field advantage is huge over the course of the regular season, going 55-29 at Dodger Stadium. Conversely, the Mets are just a game over-.500 when on the road.
This whole series has been a flip-flop of momentum. The Mets seemingly grabbed a major swing in Game 3 with a big win and offensive explosion. Kershaw, however, quieted that with a well-pitched game.
PITCHING MATCHUP
Jacob deGrom will get another crack at the Dodgers after pitching a scoreless seven innings in Game 1.
deGrom was filthy, giving up just five hits and striking out 13 Dodgers, he also recorded his first postseason win. Over his last 17 innings pitched, he’s now struck out 29 batters and allowed just a single run.
While deGrom is red hot, it’s more than just a hot streak. After winning Rookie of the Year last year with a 2.69 ERA, he got even better this year, going 14-8 with a 2.54 ERA and 0.979 WHIP.
It’ll all be on the young right-hander’s shoulders again on Thursday. He matched Clayton Kershaw pitch for pitch in Game 1 and will be asked to do the same with another Cy Young contender in Game 5 as the Dodgers turn to Zack Greinke.
The veteran right-hander led all of baseball with a 1.66 ERA through 222 2/3 innings of work in the regular season. He also led the way in WHIP at 0.844 and winning percentage, going 19-3.
In Game 2 of this series, he lasted seven innings and gave up two runs on a pair of solo home runs, solid, but not a shutout like deGrom. In a broader view, Greinke has allowed seven runs over his last 37 innings. Of course, at a 1.70 ERA, that’s just about in line with his season ERA.
QUOTE TO NOTE
After Game 1, Kershaw tipped his cap to deGrom as the three time Cy Young Award pitcher noted he was outpitched by the second year starter, saying:
“Jacob pitched an amazing game. We battled him, got his pitch count up there, but he outpitched me, plain and simple.”
That’s pretty impressive coming from someone of Kershaw’s ilk and he’ll get the chance at a repeat in Game 5.
LIVE/SITUATIONAL BETTING
After scoring 13 in a game pitched by Brett Anderson and Alex Wood, they scored just one in a game started by Kershaw.
The Mets have scored just six runs in three games started by Kershaw and Greinke. Offensively, the Mets have power, they have average hitters, but they still have to prove they can break through against the elite.
PROP TALK
Yoenis Cespedes and Michael Conforto both slammed big home runs in Game 2 against Greinke, but over the larger sample sizes the team in general has struggled against the ace.
Curtis Granderson is the Met with the most at bats against Greinke, but stands just 10-for-52 with 11 strikeouts.
On the flipside, Adrian Gonzalez is 3-for-8 with a pair of home runs and 5 RBIs against deGrom. He may not be the best bet on Thursday though after striking out three times against him in Game 1.
ANALYSIS AND PREDICTION
This has been a close, hard fought series and even the apparent blowout in Game 3 ended closer than most thought with a 13-7 final that forced closer Jeurys Familia into service.
Game 5 should be no different. A pair of great starters will go head-to-head, both teams will have their top end closers available and each will continue to have their deep offensive talent.
While either pitcher could easily shut out the other, the Dodgers seem to have the edge. They have the momentum from the Game 4 win. They have the home field advantage. That’s enough to give them the edge in a competitive game where a lone run could be all it takes to head to the NLCS.
Los Angeles 2, New York 1
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 New York Mets and Los Angeles Dodgers is scheduled for Thursday, October 15, 2015, at 8:07 p.m. ET at Dodger Stadium. The contest will be broadcast nationally on TBS.
