The New York Mets play host to the Los Angeles Dodgers on Friday night in the series opener from Citi Field. The Dodgers enter the second-half tied for first place in the NL West and are hoping to build off a strong run into the All-Star break. For the Mets, it has been more of a disappointment this year and while the NL East already seems out of reach, they are hoping to work their way back into the Wild Card race. The Mets actually took two of three on the road in the first series between these two this season, though they'll be hard-pressed to take another series from one of baseball's best teams.
After a close to the first half of the season that saw them finish 7-3 over their last ten games, the Dodgers will want nothing more than to start off their first game back with a bang. They certainly have the team and talent to do it and it's likely that they'll also be drawing on their experience from April as well. In that series, they hosted the Mets, losing two of three games, and will be looking to repeat the favor in their trip east. While they've been dominant at home, the road has been a little more challenging to them this season. They only sit .500 away from home and it'll be interesting to see how they also navigate being on the opposite coast, quite far from home.
Julio Urias will get the ball to kickoff the second-half for Los Angeles. The lefty has struggled at times this season, while a 6-5 record and 4.76 ERA have left quite a bit to be desired from one of the top end starters on the roster. In his last start before the break, he went six innings, allowing only two runs, though was shelled in back-to-back road starts prior. It's clear he's been a far different pitcher away from home, which will make the Dodgers nervous as to how he performs in this one.
The Dodgers have one of baseball's most offenses, so even if Urias struggles on Friday night, they should have plenty of firepower behind him to pick up the slack. They are averaging nearly six runs per game and even despite the power numbers, have been benefited by their walk rate as well. The stars are well known and even though they continue to be without Chris Taylor, have found plenty of production. Having four different players lead across the four key offensive categories, has shown the depth of this group. Freddie Freeman (.320 average) and Mookie Betts (26 home runs) lead the way, though JD Martinez (62 RBI) has come on strong of late as well.< /p>