NLCS odds, picks, best bets

Many experts, including myself, thought the Dodgers pitching staff would be exposed in the postseason.

Now this looks like an ice cold version.

After defeating the Mets 9-0 in Game 1 of the NLCS on Sunday, the Dodgers extended their streak of consecutive scoreless innings to 33, tying an MLB playoff record.

The record can be all theirs on Monday when they take on the Mets in Game 2 at Dodger Stadium. Here is a prediction and picks for the game.

Mets vs Dodgers Game 2 Odds

Mets vs Dodgers Game 2 Prediction

The Dodgers' relief staff posted a 3.07 ERA in the final month of the regular season and has carried that strong form into the playoffs.

In 24 1/3 innings this postseason, their bullpen has a collective ERA of 2.22 and has been absolutely dominant since a 2-1 loss in their NLDS series to the Padres.

Manager Dave Roberts will lean on that strength in Monday's second game against the Mets. The veteran skipper will use a bullpen game and look to use ace Walker Buehler later in the series.

The decision makes sense since Roberts' bullpen is in great shape. Evan Phillips is the only Dodgers reliever to throw more than nine pitches in the last three days.

After trading Kodai Senga in Game 1, the Mets will have a much more reliable arm in Sean Manaea.

Manaea has allowed just three earned runs in 12 innings in the postseason. He now has a 3.25 ERA in his last 10 starts with a K/BB ratio of 22.6% over that span.

In those 10 starts, Manaea has reduced his zone contact rate to 81.6% and increased his swing-strike rate to 12.4%. He has adjusted his arm slot and mixed in a new look sinker, which has proven to be effective.

Manaea has allowed slug rates of .304 and .324 when facing batters the first and second times this season, respectively, but that number jumps to .430 when facing batters for the third time.

The Dodgers have relatively equal splits at the plate against left- and right-handed hitters this season. Since the All-Star break, they have a wRC+ of 122 against lefties and rank 12th in BB/K with a hard hit rate of 34.1%.

The Mets have also posted fairly even splits at the plate, with a 104 wRC+ against right-handed pitching in the second half and a 110 wRC+ against left-handed pitching over the same period.

Mets vs. Dodgers Game 2 Pick

Roberts may not be in the worst position here as he looks to get the matchup game in early with his rested bullpen, which features an elite set of arms in good shape.

The Dodgers have a tough matchup against Manaea, who has performed like an ace over the last two months after making some notable adjustments.

Find out everything you need to know about MLB betting

For a game at Dodger Stadium, a total of 4.5 runs in the first five innings is pretty high, and I'm not sure this matchup justifies that. Anything better than -125 and I see value bets on the top five below.

Best Bet: Under 4.5 Runs F5 Innings (115, bet365)

Why you should trust New York Post Betting

Nicholas Martin breaks down the NHL, MLB and NFL for the New York Post. He strives to include relevant game notes in articles to help bettors reach their own conclusions, but also has a 180 unit lead himself in verified picks on a sports betting app. You can find Nick on X @nickm_hockey.