Mets vs. Dodgers: NLCS Game 2 predictions, odds and picks — Oct. 14, MLB 2024
At 7 p.m. PST, the New York Mets and Los Angeles Dodgers will resume their NLCS bout. The Dodgers took the series lead with one of the most dominant pitching performances they've had in a while, while the Mets' offense fell silent.
The Mets will look to avoid the dreaded two-game hole before heading back home, while the Dodgers hope to further emphasize the disparity between the two teams.
Mets vs. Dodgers Recent Form and Records
The Mets finished 5-5 in their final 10 games, but this stretch included a two-game winning streak before dropping their regular-season finale, which had no impact on the standings. They needed a victory in the final doubleheader played one day after the regular season had technically concluded. They then went 5-2 against the Milwaukee Brewers and Philadelphia Phillies before losing Game 1.
The Los Angeles Dodgers were red-hot to close the season. They finished winning five in a row and eight out of 10. They survived the surging San Diego Padres by winning three of the five games and took Game 1 in dominant fashion.
Players to Watch
Starting Pitchers
Sean Manaea (1-0, 2.25 ERA, 10 SO in playoffs) vs. TBD
The Dodgers have not yet committed to a starting pitcher yet. Given that they used the bullpen heavily to offset the lack of starting pitching in the NLDS, it is likely that they will do that again today, especially after getting seven innings from Jack Flaherty.
Sean Manaea had a 1.08 WHIP and 184 strikeouts in 181.2 innings in the regular season.
Last Start: (playoffs) Seven innings, three hits, one earned run, two walks and six strikeouts.
Career vs. Dodgers: 1-5 with a 7.09 ERA and 42 strikeouts in 11 appearances.
Must-watch Hitters
Mets
Last night notwithstanding, Francisco Lindor has had a brilliant postseason, recently hitting a game-winning grand slam.
The same is true of Pete Alonso, who was 4-for-9 in his last few at-bats, tallying two runs, a double, one home run, one RBI and four walks.
Dodgers
Shohei Ohtani came through for the Dodgers last night. The MVP favorite had two hits and two RBI. He also scored two runs and recorded a walk.
Mookie Betts came alive in the middle portion of the NLDS, and he continued that good form yesterday. The outfielder had a walk and a bases-clearing three-RBI double.
Mets vs. Dodgers Baseball Betting Odds
Mets vs. Dodgers Expert Predictions
The Mets have defied the odds throughout the postseason. While they had a lull in Game 1, they likely won't continue to be shut down, especially if the Dodgers run a bullpen game. Sean Manaea has pitched very well in the playoffs, so look for them to play a much better game tonight.
They have a penchant for coming through in key spots, and they should do so again tonight, but it might take a lot of runs to do it.
Run Spread: +1.5
Total Runs: Over 8.5
Prediction: Mets 6, Dodgers 4