The New York Mets are desperate for a win after losing each of the first two games of the World Series at Kansas City. Tonight they're back at Citi Field where they've won four of their last five though, and I like the Mets to get back in the series with a win here.
Here are my keys to the game:
1. Pitching - The Royals hand the ball to Yordano Ventura (13-8, 4.08 ERA) who is 0-1 with a swollen 5.09 ERA over four starts here in the post-season. The 24 year old flamethrower has put way too many runners on base so far with 20 hits and eight walks allowed over 17 2/3 innings of work for a 1.58 WHIP and I don't see him out-duel the Mets' Noah Syndergaard (9-7, 3.24 ERA) here. Syndergaard is also a real power-pitcher and he recorded nine strikeouts while holding the Cubs to one run on three hits in a 4-1 win his last start. He has given up only four runs on eight hits over 13 innings of work here in the playoffs with a total of 20 strikeouts.
2. Home Cookin' - Syndergaard was 7-2 with a 2.46 ERA over 12 starts at Citi Field during the regular-season and the Mets 8-2 in "Thor's" last 10 home starts.
3. X-Factor - The Mets are 5-2 in their last seven with umpire Mike Winters behind home plate, the Royals 5-12 in their last 17.
Selection: This is a play on the New York Mets (8*)