Mets vs. Dodgers: NLCS Game 1 predictions, odds and picks — Oct 13, MLB 2024

On Saturday, the Los Angeles Dodgers will welcome the New York Mets for the first game of the NLCS. Heroic victories by both clubs set the stage for the series, which will mark LA's 16th NLCS and MLB franchise record.

A rematch of the 1988 NLCS that saw the Dodgers emerge victorious and continue on to win the World Series, the 2024 NLCS is the fourth MLB postseason meeting between the two clubs. First pitch is slated for 5:15 PDT from Dodger Stadium in LA.

"Mets. Dodgers. The 2024 NLCS is set." - SNY Mets

Mets vs Dodgers recent form and records

The Mets eliminated the Milwaukee Brewers and Phillies - the NL's two other divisional winners - before the NLCS. An 89-73 team during the regular season, New York qualified on the final day of the season and is 64–37 since June 12.

The Los Angeles Dodgers bested the San Diego Padres in five NLDS games to qualify for the next round. Spurred on by some of the top names in baseball, LA's 95 wins were the most in MLB this season, and the club will be starring in their seventh NLCS since 2012.

Players to Watch

Starting Pitchers

NYM: Kodai Senga (0-1, 3.38 ERA) vs LAD: Jack Flaherty (13-7, 3.17 ERA)

Senga has a 0.563 WHIP, `.7 BB/9 and 9 K in 5.1 IP.

Last Start: ND, 2 IP, 1 H, 1 ER, 1 BB, 3 K vs PHI

Career vs LAD: 0-0 1.50 ERA (6 IP, 1 ER) 1 HR in 1 game

Flaherty has a 1.068 WHIP, 3.1 BB/9 and 194 K in 162 IP.

Last Start: Loss, 5.1 IP, 5 H, 4 ER, 1 BB, 2 K vs SD

Career vs NYM: 0-0 6.75 ERA (5.1 IP, 4 ER) 1 HR in 1 game

Must-Watch Hitters

New York

Third baseman Mark Vientos is on quite the roll. In addition to hitting a team-best .429 on the postseason, Vientos' seven RBIs lead his team. The purveyor of a 1.181 OPS so far this October, Vientos had at least two hits in every single NLDS game against the Philadelphia Phillies.

"so far this postseason, mark vientos has 12 hits in 28 ABs, five runs, two homers, seven RBIs… he might just be generational" - steph

Pete Alonso's 1.160 OPS is second to Vientos' on the team. A former NL home run champ, Alonso hit 2 homers and 3 RBIs on four hits against the Phillies in the NLCS.

A career .304 hitter against the Los Angeles Dodgers, Brandon Nimmo will be an important part of his team's NLCS playbook. A .269 hitter so far this October, he touts three walks in four games.

Los Angeles

Teoscar Hernandez' solo shot against the Padres last Friday helped propel his club to the NLCS. A .333 hitter in the postseason with a 1.067 OPS, the Dominican leads his club on both counts this postseason. During the regular season, Hernandez's 33 homers also set a career high.

"Teoscar Hernández with a swing and a drive to send Dodger Stadium into a FRENZY (MLBStats x @GoogleCloud)" - MLB Stats

After missing all of last season due to injury, infielder Gavin Lux is improving. Already a .278/.300/.444 hitter this postseason, Lux has a home run and three RBIs on five hits this October.

Mets vs Dodgers baseball betting odds

Sunday 13/10	Money Line	Run Spread	Total Runs
New York Mets	+ 135	+ 1.5 -160	O 8 -115
Los Angeles Dodgers	- 160	- 1.5 +135	U 8 -105

Mets vs Dodgers expert picks and game prediction

In the fourth postseason meeting between these two clubs, LA won the season series against the Mets 4-2 in 2024.

Dodgers starting pitching remains a question. The team's 6.86 starting ERA this season has posed a significant problem. Meanwhile, the 38 runs scored by the New York Mets this postseason are the most in the game.

After lengthy battles with injury, Kodai Senga is back in action. Meanwhile, Dodgers pitcher Jack Flaherty has underwhelmed in the playoffs after a magnificent postseason.

The Mets are a hot team, and after taking down two out of three 2024 NL divisional leaders, expect manager Carlos Mendoza's club to do the same in the opening game of the 2024 NLCS.

Run Line: -1.5 + 135

Total Runs: U 8 -105

Prediction: New York Mets W, 5-3