Here are five things to watch and predictions as the Mets and Los Angeles Dodgers play a three-game series at Citi Field starting on Friday at 7:10 p.m.
5 things to watch
NLCS rematch
The last time these teams faced off was last year’s NLCS when the Dodgers ended the Mets’ miraculous postseason run -- jumping on both Sean Manaea and Kodai Senga in a Game 6 clinching victory.
Los Angeles, of course, ultimately went on to defeat the Yankees in five games in the World Series to secure the eighth title in franchise history.
Both teams made some big additions over the offseason, and they are currently considered among the favorites to represent the National League in the Fall Classic this year.
The Mets (30-20) have hit a bit of a rough patch after their red hot start to the season -- currently sitting in second place in the NL East, just 1.5 games behind the Phillies and 10 games above the .500 mark.
The Dodgers (31-19) have been struggling of late as well, but they are coming off a series win over the Diamondbacks and are currently tied with Philadelphia for the most wins in the National League.
Could this rematch be an early NLCS preview?
Brett Baty's confidence continues to grow
Baty just keeps building his case for everyday playing time.
With Mark Vientos struggling defensively, the youngster drew the start at the hot corner in each of the three games in Boston and he impressed with the leather in the first two.
Carlos Mendoza said pregame Wednesday that Baty’s defense was the main reason he decided to leave him in the lineup against a tough left-hander in Garrett Crochet for the series finale.
Baty responded by cracking a two-out RBI single in the second inning to get the scoring started. He came through again later on, going the other way to put New York back in front with a two-run double off another tough lefty in Brennan Bernardino.
The 25-year-old finished the day 2-for-4 while driving in three of New York’s five runs.
After his strong showing against the lefties, Baty figures to have earned himself the opportunity to get back out there against Clayton Kershaw in the opener -- he should be in the lineup for all three games of this set.
Signs of life at the plate
Baty wasn’t the only positive sign during Wednesday’s win in Boston.
The rest of the bottom four did a good job setting the table as well -- Luis Torrens was on-base three times, Tyrone Taylor picked up a knock of his own, and Luisangel Acuña reached on a pair of infield hits.
Francisco Lindor had two hits out of the leadoff spot as well -- opening the game with a double off Crochet and then cracking a solo shot over the Green Monster in the ninth for the Mets’ first homer since last Tuesday.