Runs and home runs were not in short supply in last night's series opener between the New York Mets and Los Angeles Dodgers, as the two teams combined for four homers and 14 runs at Dodger Stadium.
In the end, a two-homer game for Freddie Freeman went for naught , with a three-run seventh for the Mets (11-6) accounting for the decisive runs in their 8-6 win over the Dodgers (8-9).
Will we see more runs tonight, or will Tylor Megill and Clayton Kershaw keep the scoring down? Read on for our Mets vs Dodgers prediction, as well as our best bets for the middle game of their three-game series.
Looking for More MLB Picks?
At Betting News, you can find aggregated MLB picks from a number of reputable industry sources for every MLB game.
And if you are interested in checking out MLB betting picks from other sources, there are a number of trustworthy sports handicapping services that we recommend.
Find trusted services with free offers and guaranteed picks!
One of those sources is Doc's Sports, which has a great offer going right now.
Doc's Sports offers a lot of free picks and content, but they also offer $60 worth of premium sports picks free for new premium signups.
New York Mets vs Los Angeles Dodgers Odds
Odds are via BetOnline as of Tuesday, April 18, 2023, at 10:00 am ET.
Moneyline
New York Mets +144
Los Angeles Dodgers -172
Over/Under
Over 8 (-114)
Under 8 (-106)
Run Line
New York Mets +1.5 (-144)
Los Angeles Dodgers -1.5 (+120)
Pitching Matchup for Mets vs Dodgers
New York Mets: RHP Tylor Megill (3-0, 2.25 ERA)
Los Angeles Dodgers: RHP Clayton Kershaw (2-1, 3.50 ERA)
Can the Dodgers Avoid Their Second Three-Game Losing Skid of the Season?
Freddie Freeman homered twice in the Dodgers' loss to the Mets on Monday night.
There's certainly no reason to panic at this early point of the season, but it is a strange sight to see the Dodgers under .500 and with nine losses already.
Last season, they didn't lose their ninth game until their 29th game, and in 2021, they didn't lose their ninth game until their 24th game.
The last time the Dodgers had nine losses this early was 2018, when they also started 8-9. That season, they started 16-26 but won their sixth straight NL West title and reached the World Series.
A hot streak is likely to come soon enough, whether it starts with their series with the Mets or after. But it could certainly come at any time with the talent that this ballclub has.
At the very least, the numbers favor the Dodgers being able to avoid a third straight loss.
Since Dave Roberts became manager in 2016, the Dodgers are 252-166 following a loss, winning 60.3% of their games in that scenario. That is the best win percentage in the league, and no other team comes in at 60% or better.
Also, as a home favorite, the Dodgers are a league-best 370-180 (67.3%) since the start of the 2016 season. Additionally, they are 378-228 (62.4%) in non-division games. As with their win percentage in games following a loss, no other team in the league comes in at 60% or better.
New York Mets vs Los Angeles Dodgers Prediction and Best Bets
Prediction for Mets vs Dodgers: Dodgers to win
Best Bets for Mets vs Dodgers: Dodgers -1.5 (Best Value: BetUS)
As I say with most Dodgers games, the run line is the way to go if you are backing them to win.
Megill has pitched well thus far this season, and he is getting good run support as well, with the Mets outscoring opponents 20-7 in his three starts. But that doesn't put me off of rolling with the home team to even up the series and their record for the season.
Where to Bet on Mets vs Dodgers
Here are four legal sports betting sites that we highly recommend and have reviewed, where you can bet on MLB action this season.
1
4.9/5 Review Rating
Bonus & Benefits Up to $1,250 + 50 Free Slots Spins See our review »
$1,250 Welcome Bonus Bet Live on Your Favorite Sports Earn More with Rebel Rewards!
Fast & Easy Payouts Best Deposit & Free Play Bonuses Largest Selection of Sports & Games
There are plenty of places where you can place MLB bets, but if you are looking for reputable, legal options, you cannot go wrong with this quartet of sportsbooks.
Eddie Griffin has been writing about and betting on sports for over a decade and has been with Betting News since 2021. For more of his thoughts on sports and sports betting, you can follow him on X, formerly known as Twitter.
This site contains commercial content. We may be compensated for the links provided on this page. The content on this page is for informational purposes only. Betting News makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the information given or the outcome of any game or event.