The 2024 National League Championship Series between the Los Angeles Dodgers and New York Mets is heating up as the teams head into Game 3, the series tied at 1-1. The pivotal matchup is set for October 16, 2024, at Citi Field in Flushing, New York, with both teams looking to gain the upper hand in this best-of-seven series.
The stakes are exceptionally high for the Dodgers, who face a precarious pitching situation as the series progresses. Things could quickly become dire if Los Angeles heads back home trailing in the series. Game 6 is slated to be a bullpen game for the Dodgers, putting immense pressure on their starters to eat up innings in the three games at Citi Field. This scenario underscores the critical importance of their Game 2 victory, as it not only evened the series but also provided some breathing room for their pitching staff. With Walker Buehler potentially lined up for a decisive Game 7 – following a taxing bullpen game – the Dodgers’ success in New York could determine their fate in this NLCS.
Betting Odds
Oddsmakers view this game as a toss-up, with both teams opening at -110. The total for the game is set at eight runs. However, online sports betting sites have the Mets as slight favorites, with moneyline odds of -112 compared to the Dodgers at -108.
Game 3 Pitching Matchup
The Dodgers are expected to send Walker Buehler to the mound for Game 3. Buehler has struggled this season, posting a 1-6 record with a 5.38 ERA during the regular season. His postseason performance has been equally concerning, as he allowed six runs in his only start against the San Diego Padres in the NLDS.
For the Mets, Luis Severino is slated to take the hill. Severino finished the regular season with an 11-7 record and a 3.91 ERA. In his two playoff starts this year, he’s allowed six earned runs over 12 innings, with the Mets going 1-1 in those games.
Historical Context: 1988 NLCS Game 3
This matchup brings back memories of the 1988 NLCS when these two teams last met in a Game 3 scenario. In that memorable contest, after being stifled by Cy Young Award winner and eventual World Series MVP Orel Hirshiser for seven innings, the Mets staged a dramatic comeback, scoring five runs in the 8th inning to secure an 8-4 victory. The 1988 game was marked by controversy and challenging weather conditions. Dodgers reliever Jay Howell was ejected for using a foreign substance, which opened the door for the Mets’ late-inning rally. The muddy field caused by rain created a “soggy circus,” affecting play throughout the game.
Key Players to Watch
For the Dodgers, all eyes will be on Walker Buehler as he attempts to overcome his recent struggles and give Los Angeles a quality start. However, that may change during the game if the front of the Dodgers lineup doesn’t produce. Shohei Ohtani, Mookie Betts, Teoscar Hernandez, and Freddie Freeman were a combined 0-19 in Game #2.
Francisco Lindor has been a standout performer on the Mets’ side this postseason. He homered in Game 2 of the NLCS and has six hits and two home runs in his last five games. His continued hot streak could be crucial to the Mets’ success.
Series Implications
With the series tied, Game 3 represents a critical juncture for both teams. The winner will take a 2-1 lead and gain valuable momentum as the series progresses. The Mets will capitalize on their home-field advantage, while the Dodgers aim to steal a win on the road. As the tension builds and memories of past clashes resurface, baseball fans are in for an exciting continuation of this NLCS matchup. The stage is set for another potentially historic Game 3 between these two storied franchises.
