I easily cashed a bet on the Dodgers to cover the run line yesterday, but won't hesitate to fade LA's recent scoring surge today. I'm confident in Sean Manaea, who has excelled this postseason (2.25 ERA and 0.92 WHIP in two starts) and was solid during the regular season, ranking in the top half of the league in xERA, xBA, average exit velocity, strikeout rate, barrel rate and hard-hit rate. LA's lineup is in for a challenge against the Mets' starter, who can limit its left-handed hitters (2.83 xFIP vs. lefties, 4.35 vs. righties in 2024). He'll last deep into the game, meaning NY should only need its top relief arms to close it out.

LA's bullpen has done a fine job this postseason, pitching to a 2.05 ERA and 0.95 WHIP in 28.1 combined innings, taking on the bulk of the work in several games. That will be the case again today, as the Dodgers are opting for a bullpen game. I feel confident LA's relief group will fare just fine after covering only two innings yesterday. As I mentioned in Game 1's betting analysis, I believe the longer rest period between the NLDS and NLCS would work against the red-hot Mets' bats, which was certainly the case yesterday. I don't predict an offensive breakout from NY today, either.

These teams are typically high-scoring, which is why the total is 8.5 runs. That said, I feel confident the pitching matchup will lead to a lower-scoring game on Monday in Los Angeles. Bet on the under at 8.5!