The National League Championship Series is set, with the Los Angeles Dodgers and New York Mets ready to battle for a coveted World Series berth. This cross-country clash is thrilling, featuring a star-studded lineup including Shohei Ohtani, Freddie Freeman, Francisco Lindor, Mookie Betts, and Pete Alonso. As Game 1 approaches in Los Angeles, let’s dive into the matchup and explore four crucial questions that could shape the series.
The Road to the NLCS
The sixth-seeded Mets have been on a tear since June 1, boasting the most wins in baseball during that span. Their success in October has been largely due to their phenomenal starting pitching. New York’s starters have maintained a collective 2.43 ERA through 37 innings this postseason, with no pitcher allowing more than three earned runs in a single start. Conversely, the top-seeded Dodgers faced a formidable challenge in the San Diego Padres but prevailed in an intense NLDS. Los Angeles showcased their resilience and offensive firepower with contributions from Ohtani, Betts, Teoscar, and Kiké Hernández. However, the Dodgers’ bullpen truly shined, holding the Padres scoreless for the final 24 innings of the series.
The Dodgers are naturally among the best bets according to MLB money lines. Analysts and bettors see their consistent performance and robust postseason setup as indicators of potential success. Betting enthusiasts will closely watch the odds as they evolve, with the Dodgers’ depth and home-field advantage making.
Key Matchup: Mets Pitching vs. Shohei Ohtani
One of the most intriguing aspects of this series will be how the Mets’ pitching staff handles Shohei Ohtani. The two-way superstar can change the course of any game with a single swing. While Ohtani started strong in the NLDS with a game-tying homer in Game 1, the Padres managed to neutralize him for the remainder of the series. If they hope to advance, the Mets must devise a similar strategy to contain Ohtani.
Five Big Questions
1. Can Mets pitchers induce chases from Dodgers hitters?
The Mets’ strategy against the Phillies in the NLDS involved exploiting their tendency to chase pitches. However, this approach may be less practical against the Dodgers, who had the third-lowest chase rate during the regular season. That said, Los Angeles did show an increased chase rate against San Diego in the NLDS. The Mets’ starting rotation, featuring pitchers like Kodai Senga, Sean Manaea, Jose Quintana, and Luis Severino, possesses the arsenal to potentially generate those chase swings.
2. Will the Dodgers’ power bullpen continue to dominate?
The Dodgers’ bullpen has been a critical factor in their success, especially given the limited length of their starting pitchers. The relief corps will be heavily relied upon with potential bullpen games in Games 3 and 7 and Yoshinobu Yamamoto’s tendency to pitch five innings or fewer. Manager Dave Roberts has consistently pulled his starters before 100 pitches and six innings in postseason games, placing a significant burden on the bullpen.
3. Can the Mets handle the Dodgers’ velocity?
The Dodgers have thrown more fastballs than any other team this postseason, with an average velocity second only to the Milwaukee Brewers. The Mets have hit .240 against fastballs, below the league average. To counter this, New York must maintain their “pass-the-baton” approach at the plate, focusing on situational hitting. Players like Brandon Nimmo, Starling Marte, and Jose Iglesias have excelled at shortening their swings to punch hits the other way in crucial moments.
4. Who will face Shohei Ohtani in crucial situations?
Ohtani has been exceptional with runners in scoring position since September 1, hitting an impressive .600. The Mets lack a true power left-handed reliever to match up against him, unlike the Padres, who effectively used Tanner Scott. David Peterson has emerged as a key troubleshooter for manager Carlos Mendoza, but his role as a bulk reliever may limit his availability. Mendoza is willing to use closer Edwin Díaz as early as the seventh inning, which could come into play when facing Ohtani.
Series Outlook
Given the strengths and weaknesses of both teams, this NLCS has all the makings of a closely contested battle. The Mets’ superior starting pitching depth gives them an edge in that department, while the Dodgers’ potent lineup and experienced bullpen give them the firepower to keep pace. The series will likely go the full seven games, with both teams pushing each other to the limit.
As the baseball world turns its attention to this epic clash, fans can expect a showcase of top-tier talent, strategic managerial decisions, and high-stakes drama that only October baseball can provide. Whether it’s Ohtani’s game-changing ability, the Mets’ resurgence, or the Dodgers’ quest for another World Series appearance, this NLCS promises to be a memorable chapter in postseason history.
