This matchup has the potential to be a pitchers’ duel as Zack Greinke (20-3, 1.69 ERA) and the Los Angeles Dodgers square off against Jacob deGrom (15-8, 2.45 ERA) and the New York Mets (92-74) in Game 5 of the Divisional Playoffs at Dodger Stadium. The Dodgers won the last game 3-1, and the series is currently tied 2-2. Action begins at 8:07 p.m. ET on Thursday, Oct. 15 and can be seen on TBS.
Greinke pitched 7.0 innings in Game 2 of the Divisional Playoffs, surrendering two runs and striking out eight in a 5-2 win over the Mets. Justin Turner (.300, 57 Rs, 16 HRs, 63 RBIs, 5 SBs) went 1 for 3 Tuesday with two RBIs. deGrom went 7.0 innings, surrendering zero runs, striking out 13 and walking one in a 3-1 win over the Dodgers in Game 1 of the Divisional Playoffs. Yoenis Cespedes (.291, 105 Rs, 37 HRs, 109 RBIs, 7 SBs) went 1 for 4 Tuesday.
Los Angeles is a -160 favorite against New York and the Over/Under (O/U) for this game is sitting at six runs. The Dodgers have an overall money line of -1,050 and a record as the favorite of 82-60. The Dodgers are the third-best team in the league at limiting hits and walks to their opponents, recording a WHIP of 1.183 so far this season.
As for their opponent, in contrast to an encouraging overall money line (+596), New York has an unimpressive 18-38 record when playing as the underdog. The Mets have a dynamic offense, ranking fifth in the league with 499 extra base hits. When it comes to preventing batters from getting on base, the Mets are one of the best in the league with a WHIP of 1.180 for the season.
The Mets lead the season series, 6-5. The Dodgers have a 70-53 record against right-handed starting pitchers on the year, which is what they’ll be facing when deGrom takes the mound. Greinke (RHP) will be on the hill against the Mets, who have a 72-56 record against right-handed starting pitchers.
Predictions: SU Winner – LAD, O/U – Over
Notes
The Dodgers are coming off of a hot pitching game where they recorded 11 strikeouts. The Mets have a record of 11-24 when they are struck out that many times or more.
When they are outhit, the Dodgers are 15-51. The Mets have a 20-60 record when opponents outhit them.
Both falling in the top 10 of the league based on total home runs this season, Los Angeles ranks sixth with 189 homers and New York is eighth with 183.
Los Angeles and New York both rank in the top half of the league in hits. Los Angeles sits at 13th with 8.29 hits per game and New York ranks 12th with 8.35.
Ranking 20th, New York is in the bottom half of the league for its on-base plus slugging percentage (.712). Los Angeles ranks in the top 10 at eighth with an OPS of .738.
The Mets are 42-54 when they allow at least one home run. The Dodgers perform similarly when they allow one or more homers with a 42-52 record.
