The Max Scherzer experience has gone about as well as can be since being acquired by the Los Angeles Dodgers at the MLB Trade Deadline.
In two starts, Scherzer has pitched to a 1.74 ERA over 10.1 innings while striking out 16 batters. His second start only lasted 3.1 innings due to a rain delay versus the Philadelphia Phillies, but struck out six without giving up a run.
Now, he checks off another NL East stadium off his visiting list when he returns to Citi Field to face the New York Mets on Sunday Night Baseball. The Dodgers are -165 money line favorites vs. the Mets (+152) over at WynnBET Sportsbook, and even money on the run line at -1.5 (Dodgers must win by more than one run for bet to pay out). The total on this game is among the lowest of the day at just 7.5 projected runs.
Scherzer has been dominant at Citi Field over the course of his career, pitching to a 9-2 record with a 2.08 ERA. He has not faced the Mets so far this season.
Max Scherzer's 10th K. pic.twitter.com/JETrtTMmYJ
— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) August 5, 2021
For New York, Carlos Carrasco gets the start as the Mets try to end a skid that's taken them from first place in the NL East all the way down to third. Just 10 days ago, the Mets were atop the division, with the Phillies and Atlanta Braves closing in on five and three game win streaks respectively.
For the Mets to have a shot, Carrasco will need to show that he can go deeper than he has been though his three starts this season. He's only gone 9.1 IP so far, and via Covers, has only thrown a maximum of 62 pitches this season.
Dodgers vs. Mets Betting Trends
One positive trend for the Mets is their success at home this year. They have gone 36-22 at Citi Field in 2021, the best record in the division. The Dodgers have been nearly as good on the road however, going 35-26 overall.
For bettors looking for an edge, the Mets as a home underdog have covered on the run line at a 71.4% clip this season, going 10-4-0; second-best in the Majors. The Dodgers are 28-31-0 on the run line as a road favorite.
Dodgers vs. Mets Prediction
While both teams could use the win as the season begins to wind down, I'll lean on the Mets to at least cover and make it close on the run line. Mets hitters have seen Scherzer quite a bit from his several seasons spent in DC, including Michael Conforto, who's hit .379 with three home runs in 29 ABs vs. Scherzer.
BET: Mets +1.5 (-120)
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