9th Oct - Dodgers vs Mets

Jake DeGrom and Clayton Kershaw go head-to-head in game one of the National League divisional series between the LA Dodgers and New York Mets on Friday night.

Two big city franchises that have been short on success during the last two decades meet in a playoff match-up that promises to be entertaining and enthralling. Neither team has been consistent all season, but both have quality options at every position.

On Friday night, the story will centre around two elite pitchers. Kershaw has struggled against the St Louis Cardinals, he aims for just the second win of his postseason career. It’s hard to believe that Kershaw’s playoff struggles can continue, he’s just too good. This isn’t the easiest line-up to get through though, there’s plenty of experience and a middle order that features Yoenis Cespedes, Daniel Murphy and David Wright.

Jacob DeGrom won the NL Rookie of the Year award last season and he’s about to make his playoff debut in 2015. He led this staff this year posting a 14-8 record with a 2.54 ERA. He throws the ball hard. The Dodgers have a long line-up, which centres around Adrian Gonzalez.

Three Reasons for Betting Tips

1. Kershaw ends postseason rut

It won’t last with a player like Kershaw. The Mets are a different proposition compared with the St Louis Cardinals, who have caused him most of his problems in the postseason.

2. Can the Mets be trusted?

They partly made it into the postseason simply because the Washington Nationals fell to piece even more. It’s strange to say that about a team that pulled off such a strong second half comeback, but actually New York was consistently a strong season and that could be a problem.

3. Like the -1.5 Run Line

Kershaw will keep this very low scoring, which we think should give the Dodgers a strong opportunity to win by two runs or more, and with some pretty rewarding 6/5 odds attached.