The Los Angeles Dodgers took a 1-0 lead in the 2024 National League Championship Series (NLCS) with a resounding 9-0 victory over the New York Mets in Game 1. The Dodgers’ dominant performance was highlighted by a stellar pitching effort from Jack Flaherty, who threw seven scoreless innings, allowing just two hits and two walks while striking out six. On the offensive side, Mookie Betts led the charge with three RBIs, as five different Dodgers players drove in at least one run. The Mets, on the other hand, struggled mightily, managing only three hits and seeing their starting pitcher, Kodai Senga, last just 1 1/3 innings.
Game 2 Preview
As the series moves to Game 2, both teams want to adjust. The Mets aim to bounce back from their disappointing performance, while the Dodgers hope to maintain their momentum and take a 2-0 lead in the best-of-seven series, which moves to New York on Wednesday. The early start today will allow the two teams to travel tonight and have regular workouts tomorrow at Citifield in Flushing, New York.
Pitching Matchup
The New York Mets will send left-hander Sean Manaea to the mound for Game 2. Manaea had a solid regular season, posting a 12-6 record with a 3.47 ERA over 32 starts. His last outing was impressive, as he secured a win in Game 3 of the NLDS against the Philadelphia Phillies, pitching seven innings and allowing just one earned run. However, Manaea’s career numbers against the Dodgers are concerning, with a 1-5 record and a 7.09 ERA in 11 appearances.
The Dodgers have not yet announced their starting pitcher for Game 2. However, right-hander Ryan Brasier is expected to serve as the opener. Brasier had a 1-0 record with a 3.54 ERA in the regular season, primarily working out of the bullpen. His postseason experience this year includes three appearances, with one start, resulting in a 1-0 record and a 4.91 ERA. Brasier will be the 39th pitcher in Los Angeles Dodgers history to make at least two playoff starts.
Odds and Predictions
Despite the Mets’ poor showing in Game 1, oddsmakers at sweepstakes casinos and sportsbooks are not counting them out entirely for Game 2. The Dodgers are favored to win, but not overwhelmingly so. The moneyline odds have the Dodgers at -145, meaning a $145 bet would win $100 if they emerge victorious. The Mets, as underdogs, are listed at +120, offering a $120 return on a $100 bet if they can even the series.
The Mets are given a 1.5-run advantage at -185 odds for those interested in the run line, while the Dodgers are at +150 to win by more than 1.5 runs. This suggests that oddsmakers expect a closer game than the series opener despite the Dodgers’ home-field advantage and Game 1 dominance.
The over/under for total runs scored in the game is set at 8, with slightly favored odds on the over at -125. This relatively low total reflects the strong pitching performances expected from both teams, particularly given the high stakes of a playoff game.
As the teams prepare for this crucial Game 2, the Dodgers will look to capitalize on their home-field advantage and offensive momentum, while the Mets will be eager to prove that their Game 1 performance was an anomaly. With the series still young, this game could set the tone for the remainder of the NLCS and potentially shape the path to the World Series.
