NLCS Game 1 Mets vs. Dodgers game thread

A trip to the World Series is on the line in this series

The Championship round is here everyone. The National League will kick off the third round of the playoffs as the New York Mets travel to Southern California to take on ths Los Angeles Dodgers with a trip to the World Series on the line. Tonight will be the first of what could be a long series. It’s a best-of-7 series so it’ll take four wins to head to the Fall Classic.

The Mets will go with Japanese right-hander Kodai Senga for the first game of the series. Senga spent almost the entire season on the IL rehabbing a shoulder injury and only made one regular-season appearance. He also started one of the Mets’ games against the Phillies in the last round, pitching just two innings while allowing just one run. It’s fair to wonder how long they’ll let Senga pitch tonight if he’s rolling but he’s likely on a short leash entering this contest.

Here’s the lineup the Mets will go with behind Senga:

A’s fans will notice at least one familiar face in that starting lineup. Former outfielder Starling Marte is playing in right field for his new team. The only other former Athletic on the team is starter Sean Manaea, who is set to start tomorrow’s Game 2.

The Los Angeles Dodgers will play host in tonight’s game. Taking the ball for them in Game 1 will be trade-deadline acquisition Jack Flaherty. While he was pitching like an ace when he was traded to Los Angeles he was “just” above-average during the second half and in two starts this postseason he’s look shaky at best. In two starts he’s pitched 7 ¹⁄₃ innings and allowed five runs. Not what they were hoping for when they traded for him but he can make it up with a strong start for his team in tonight’s crucial Game 1.

Here is how the Dodgers will line up for tonight’s game:

Like the Mets the Dodgers starting lineup features a former Athletic. Infielder Max Muncy played a couple years for the A’s was back in ‘15/’16 but really broke out with Los Angeles, the only other team he’a ever played for.

This should be a good matchup! Sunday night playoff baseball is the best. First pitch is set for 5:08 P.M.