This matchup has the potential to be a pitchers’ duel as Steven Matz (4-0, 2.27 ERA) and the New York Mets take on Clayton Kershaw (16-8, 2.18 ERA) and the Los Angeles Dodgers (93-72) in Game 4 of the Divisional Playoffs at Citi Field. Action begins at 8:07 p.m. ET on Tuesday, Oct. 13 and can be seen on TBS.
Matz pitched 5.2 innings in his last outing, surrendering three runs and striking out eight in a 6-4 win over the Reds. Yoenis Cespedes (.291, 105 Rs, 37 HRs, 109 RBIs, 7 SBs) had another good game yesterday, going 3 for 5 with three runs, one home run, and three RBIs. Kershaw went 6.2 innings, surrendering three runs, striking out 11 and walking four in a 3-1 defeat to the Mets in Game 1 of the Divisional Playoffs. Andre Ethier (.294, 55 Rs, 14 HRs, 54 RBIs, 2 SBs) has been successful at the plate for the Dodgers, going 2 for 5 yesterday with one run.
The odds for New York and Los Angeles are even, while the Over/Under (O/U) is currently not available. The Mets are one of the best in the MLB in terms of extra base hits with 498. Turning to the pitchers, the Mets are the second-best team in the league at limiting hits and walks to their opponents, recording a WHIP of 1.181 so far this season.
When it comes to preventing batters from getting on base, the Dodgers are one of the best in the league with a WHIP of 1.186 for the season.
The Mets lead the season series, 6-4. The Mets have an 18-16 record against left-handed starting pitchers on the year, which is what they’ll be facing when Kershaw takes the mound. Matz (LHP) will be on the hill against the Dodgers, who have a 22-17 record against left-handed starting pitchers.
Predictions: SU Winner – LAD
Notes
The Mets are coming into this matchup after a high-scoring game where they scored a whopping 13 runs. The Dodgers have a 0-3 record when opponents score that many runs or more.
When they are outhit, the Dodgers are 15-51. The Mets have a 20-59 record when opponents outhit them.
New York and Los Angeles both rank in the top 10 of the league in home runs. New York sits at eighth with 182 home runs this season and Los Angeles ranks sixth with 189.
New York and Los Angeles both rank in the top half of the league in hits. New York sits at 12th with 8.35 hits per game and Los Angeles ranks 13th with 8.29.
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 eighth with an OPS of .739.
The Dodgers are 41-52 when they allow at least one home run. The Mets perform similarly when they allow one or more homers with a 42-54 record.
