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Dodgers Pitchers Look to Set MLB Record in Game 2 vs. Mets
The Los Angeles Dodgers will aim to make history on Monday afternoon in Game 2 of the National League Championship Series (NLCS) against the visiting New York Mets. With their bullpen currently riding a 33-inning scoreless streak, the Dodgers have a chance to set a new postseason record, breaking the mark first established by the Baltimore Orioles in 1966.
Manager Dave Roberts has praised his bullpen for their pivotal role in helping the Dodgers through the National League Division Series (NLDS) and has chosen to give them the spotlight once again. In Game 2, Roberts will rely entirely on his bullpen, with Ryan Brasier taking the ball to start the game.
Bullpen as MVP
The Dodgers’ bullpen has been nothing short of dominant this postseason, with only two relievers needed in Game 1 to back up starter Jack Flaherty during a 9-0 victory over the Mets. Brasier, who has been effective in limited postseason outings, will look to extend the bullpen’s scoreless streak. He pitched 1 1/3 scoreless innings in Game 4 of the NLDS against the Padres and carries a 4.91 ERA across three playoff appearances this year.
Roberts is confident in the group that has already delivered in critical moments, especially when the Dodgers’ season was on the line in Game 4 of the NLDS, where eight relievers combined to shut out the Padres.
“I feel good about that,” Roberts said, referring to the bullpen covering Game 2. “Jack being able to [pitch seven innings] opens up a lot of things and also saves some looks from some of our guys in the pen from some of their guys.”
Catcher Will Smith echoed Roberts’ confidence in the bullpen, attributing their success to flawless execution.
“I’m back there calling the pitches, but it’s all those guys executing what we’re deciding,” Smith said. “So just trying to keep it going tomorrow.”
Offensive Firepower in Game 1
While the Dodgers’ pitching stole the show, the offense was also firing on all cylinders in Game 1. Despite not hitting any home runs, the Dodgers pounded out nine hits, drew seven walks, and used timely hitting to run away with the victory.
Shohei Ohtani, who has been a postseason force for the Dodgers, reached base three times with two hits and scored two runs. Mookie Betts delivered a key three-run double, and Freddie Freeman, playing through an ankle injury, contributed two hits, an RBI, and a run scored.
Mets Aim to Regroup
The Mets will look to bounce back in Game 2 after a lackluster performance in the opener. Left-hander Sean Manaea will take the mound, hoping to replicate his strong showing from Game 3 of the NLDS, when he held the Philadelphia Phillies to one run on three hits over seven innings.
Manaea, who was 12-6 with a 3.47 ERA during the regular season, has faced the Dodgers before. He earned a win against them in April, allowing two runs on four hits over five innings. However, his career numbers against the Dodgers haven’t been as favorable, with a 7.09 ERA across 11 appearances (eight starts).
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Despite these struggles, Manaea feels more confident now, having made adjustments to his release point and refined his changeup since April.
“Overall just a little more confident in myself, in my stuff,” Manaea said. “But at the end of the day, just gotta go out and attack guys.”
Mets Looking to Rebound
After falling flat in Game 1, the Mets know they must regroup quickly. Outfielder Jesse Winker refused to attribute the loss to any downtime after a busy close to the regular season, pointing instead to the Dodgers’ excellent performance.
“I just think we ran into a really good pitcher who pitched well and a good lineup who scored,” Winker said. “I just think tonight they had a great night and tomorrow we’ll come back and go forward.”
Despite their Game 1 loss, the Mets have been resilient this postseason, winning two of their first three series openers. However, they are now on a five-game losing streak against the Dodgers dating back to the regular season and will need to find their groove again to avoid falling into a 2-0 hole in the series.
What’s at Stake
With a bullpen on the verge of making postseason history, the Dodgers will look to keep their momentum going and take a commanding lead in the NLCS. For the Mets, Game 2 presents an opportunity to even the series and regain their footing. Both teams are aware of the stakes, and Monday’s matchup promises to be a pivotal moment in the series.
