New York Mets vs Los Angeles Dodgers Preview – NLCS Game 3

The New York Mets will host the Los Angeles Dodgers at Citi Field on Wednesday night in Game 3 of the National League Championship Series. With the series tied at 1-1, both teams will look to take a pivotal lead in this best-of-seven matchup. The Mets have shown resilience throughout the season, bouncing back from tough situations, while the Dodgers, despite a 98-win regular season, have faced challenges in their postseason rotation.
This game features a pitching duel between Luis Severino and Walker Buehler, two right-handers hoping to deliver a key performance for their respective clubs.
Mets Look to Continue Strong Play
The Mets evened the series on Monday with a 7-3 victory, highlighted by a grand slam from Mark Vientos. Francisco Lindor set the tone with a leadoff home run, ending the Dodgers’ streak of 33 scoreless innings. The Mets have leaned on timely hitting and a never-quit attitude throughout the season, rallying from 11 games under .500 in June to secure a playoff berth on the final day of September.
Pitcher Luis Severino will take the mound for the Mets. Severino posted a 4.50 ERA in his first playoff outing this year but has struggled historically against the Dodgers, with a 10.50 ERA across two career appearances. New York will need Severino to keep the game close while relying on their offense to find ways to generate runs.
Dodgers Face Injuries and Pitching Struggles
The Dodgers head into Game 3 with limited pitching options. Injuries to key starters, including Clayton Kershaw, Tyler Glasnow, and Gavin Stone, have left Los Angeles leaning on bullpen games and inexperienced arms. In Game 2, Ryan Brasier opened for the Dodgers, followed by a group of relievers, but the strategy fell short against a determined Mets lineup.
Walker Buehler will get the ball for Los Angeles, hoping to rebound from a rough postseason start where he allowed six runs in five innings against San Diego. Buehler has a career postseason ERA of 3.40 but has been inconsistent in five starts against the Mets, posting a 5.00 ERA. With their rotation stretched thin, the Dodgers will need Buehler to pitch deep into the game.
On the injury front, Freddie Freeman, who missed the final game of the NLDS with a sprained ankle, is expected to return for Game 3. The Mets’ Brandon Nimmo, battling plantar fasciitis, is also set to play.
Prediction: Mets Seize the Advantage
The Mets have thrived under pressure throughout the season, and their ability to deliver clutch performances gives them the edge in this matchup. Severino will need to limit damage early, but the Mets’ offense has the firepower to capitalize on the Dodgers’ pitching challenges. With Buehler coming off a shaky outing and Los Angeles’ bullpen already stretched thin, New York has a strong chance to take Game 3 at home.
Pick: Mets Moneyline -110