Kodai Senga (0-0) vs. Jack Flaherty (0-1)
Tonight starts what should be an incredible cross-country series on the National League side of the bracket. Game 1 of the NLCS between the New York Mets and the Los Angeles Dodgers gives us a great pitching matchup, and superstars on both sides to watch. After a tough couple of days, picks for Game 5 of the AL and NLDS, let’s get back on track with some picks for this NLCS opener.
Dodgers Moneyline (-158)
Since they clinched the NLCS, the Mets haven’t played a game since Wednesday. The Dodgers on the other hand are fresh off of their massive NLDS Game 5 win over San Diego, with the pitching staff coming off of two shutouts as well.
Jack Flaherty has performed well against the Mets in his career. In 68 total at bats, he’s held Mets hitters to a .235 batting average allowing only three home runs. Kodai Senga however has not been as great against the Dodgers. In a small sample size, Dodgers hitters have a .316 batting average and a 1.066 OPS.
Dodgers Player Props:
Shohei Ohtani Over 2.5 Total Bases (+160 FanDuel)
His cold streak at the plate this postseason should stop tonight. Ohtani has recorded a double and two walks off of Senga and with a .200 postseason average, is due for a big night at the plate to open this NLCS.
Mookie Betts Over 1.5 Total Bases (+130)
In three at bats against Kodai Senga, Betts has recorded three hits, one being a home run. Mookie’s found power this postseason, leading the Dodgers in home runs this postseason with two in the NLDS. At plus odds, we’ll take him to record at least two total bases.
Mets Player Props:
Kodai Senga Over 0.5 Earned Runs (-170 DraftKings)
Senga has not done well against the top of this Dodgers order. While he still may have a shorter leash due to just returning from injury, the Dodgers have a very good chance to be able to put up runs early in this one.
Jesse Winker Over 0.5 Hits (-105 FanDuel)
For how good Winker has been against Flaherty there’s pretty solid value here. In 21 total at bats, Winker has hit for a .381 batting average and a 1.268 OPS with a pair of home runs. After coming up big for New York on multiple occasions this postseason, we’re taking him again to contribute for this Mets offense.