Picture Credit: MLB.tv & ESPN
Mets (11-8) Dodgers (12-10) 4:05 PM FS1
The New York Mets look to lock up their 5th straight series win against the Dodgers today.
It has really been hard to find any flaws in this Mets team over the last two weeks. They look like a completely different team than they were the first week of the season. Over the last 13 games the Mets have averaged a little over 6 runs a game and with a team ERA of 3.09.
Jose Butto is set to start for the Mets tonight who has been great in the two games he has started. He has been able to reach 6 innings pitched in both outings and has only given up one run striking out 15. One of the most interesting stats on Butto this season has been his pitches per plate appearance. Butto P/PA this season through two games is 4.114, which is also his career average. It is important to know because Butto has been pounding the zone which is exactly what he has to do today. In his last outing he was painting corners on the Royals lineup only giving up 2 hits.
For the Dodgers Gavin Stone will take the hill who is 1-1 through his first three starts. The young pitcher is only in his second season with the Dodgers and his numbers do not jump off the page. Stone has a 6.14 ERA with 15 strikeouts over 14 and 2/3rds innings pitched. In 2023 he had 8 appearances for the Dodgers with a 9.00 ERA. A tough task for Stone as the Mets offense has been scorching hot.
Keys to the Game:
While the Dodgers have not fully hit their stride the lineup 1-9 is still very dangerous. Jose Butto is going to have to command the strike zone and find ways to get weak contact from the Dodgers. He was able to mix between his changeup and sinker against the Royals and will have to do the same today.