The Dodgers have a good batting lineup, but overcoming this six-point deficit will be difficult for two reasons. First off, Mets starting pitcher Sean Manaea is looking very sharp right now, especially with Shohei Ohtani, who’s playing against Manaea’s insane arm as seen by two completely uncompetitive strikeouts in his first two at-bats. He seemed uncharacteristically confused by the angle.
In addition to trying to solve Manaea at the plate, it could be a challenge for the Dodgers relievers in this lower tier to prevent the Mets from adding any remaining points, widening the six-point lead even further. There is a possibility.
The biggest question now is not necessarily whether the Dodgers can return, but how long Manaea can last. If they can get seven more slots, like they did last time against Philadelphia, and limit the number of looks Los Angeles hitters get from the Mets’ top relievers, that could be an advantage for New York later in the series. It’s a higher leverage spot that we haven’t seen in the first two games.
