There might not be a lot of scoring in this game as Clayton Kershaw (16-7, 2.13 ERA) and the Los Angeles Dodgers take on Jacob deGrom (14-8, 2.54 ERA) and the New York Mets (90-72) in Game 1 of the Divisional Playoffs at Dodger Stadium. Action begins at 9:45 p.m. ET on Friday, Oct. 9 and can be seen on TBS.
Kershaw pitched 3.2 innings in his last outing, surrendering zero runs and striking out seven in a 6-3 win over the Padres. Justin Turner (.294, 55 Rs, 16 HRs, 60 RBIs, 5 SBs) had another good game Sunday, going 2 for 3 with one run, one home run, and one RBI. deGrom went 4.0 innings, surrendering zero runs, striking out seven and walking two in a 1-0 win over the Nationals in his most recent start. Yoenis Cespedes (.291, 101 Rs, 35 HRs, 105 RBIs, 7 SBs) went 1 for 3 Sunday.
This one isn’t expected to be close when Los Angeles, a substantial -190 favorite, takes on New York. The Over/Under (O/U) is sitting at five runs for this matchup. 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 1.18 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. They have been on a bit of a dry streak over their last 10 games. They managed a 0-1 record when playing as the underdog. When it comes to preventing batters from getting on base, the Mets are one of the best in the league with a WHIP of 1.18 for the season.
The Mets lead the season series, 4-3. 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. Kershaw (LHP) will be on the hill against the Mets, who have an 18-16 record against left-handed starting pitchers.
Predictions: SU Winner – LAD, O/U – Over
Notes
New York earned its 14th shutout of the season in its last game. Los Angeles has been shut out 12 times this season.
The Dodgers are coming into this game after allowing two walks during their last outing. The Mets have a 31-47 record when opponents give up that many walks or fewer.
When they are outhit, the Dodgers are 15-51. The Mets have a 19-58 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 187 homers and New York is eighth with 177.
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 (.714). Los Angeles ranks in the top 10 at ninth with an OPS of .740.
The Mets are 41-54 when they allow at least one home run. The Dodgers perform similarly when they allow one or more homers with a 40-50 record.
