National League East vs West leaders collide

Two of the wagering capitals in the United States are heavily populated areas in New York and Los Angeles. Both groups of bettors have a completely different outlook on life and each will tell you the other lives life the wrong way. Every now and again, they have teams that meet each other in sports at the top of their game, which sets off further sparks, sort of coast-to-coast shouting match if you will about which is the better team. Over the next three days, the Mets and Dodgers will let fans and sports bettors but their cash on the line to support their favorite team.

This will be another rare test for the Dodgers (26-13, 11.4 units), who have only played one team (Philadelphia) with a winning record to start a series this season. Los Angeles, off its record-setting performance to start the season is 14-3 at Dodger Stadium, scoring 6.5 runs per game, with on-base percentage of .393 and winning by ginormous 3.4 runs per game.

While Manny Ramirez’s suspension has been much discussed, one Dodger who has stepped up his game is Manny’s replacement Juan Pierre. The left-fielder has raised his batting average to .419, with 20 hits in 43 at bats, since taking over, which includes seven doubles, nine RBIs, 11 runs and six steals in the 10 games.

The Dodgers have won 15 of last 20 at home against teams with winning records and will start Randy Wolf (2-1, 2.77 ERA, 1.089 WHIP), who has been howling hot in his last three starts with 1.56 ERA, never permitting more than one run each time. Wolf is coming off season-high of 113 pitches, which included eight strikeouts against the Phillies, earning his only victory over this span.

This Wolf has proven to be nocturnal, with 19-5 record in home games in night games over the last three seasons. (Team's Record)

The Mets (21-16, +0.7) were slowed by Matt Cain of the Giants last night in 2-0 loss, however still won three of four over San Francisco and are 11-3 in last fourteen to take over first place in the NL East. Prior to yesterday’s white-washing, New York had scored seven runs per game in previous 10. Everyone in the lineup had contributed, including Gary Sheffield, who has revitalized career in the Big Apple.

The Mets are 9-8 on the road this season, but have shone tendency to jump out ahead of opponents, with recent 8-2 record in Game 1’s. They will reach into bag of tricks and extract Tim Redding to be the starter. The veteran right-hander will join the rotation after missing the first six weeks of the season with a strained right rotator cuff. In two Minor League rehab starts, Redding allowed a combined four runs over 13 innings. In his career, Redding is 1-3 with a 5.64 ERA in four starts and six lifetime appearances against the Dodgers.

DiamondSportsbook.com has established L.A. as -140 money line favorite, with total Un9.5. The Dodgers are 38-13 as home chalk, dating back to last year and are 21-7 as a home favorite of -110 to -150. With Wolf on the hill, Los Angeles is 16-6 UNDER off a win. The Mets are 20-6 as road underdogs of less than +150, though are 2-9 after three straight games with no home runs. New York has played in a number of high scoring affairs when not favored and is 13-1 OVER as an underdog of +125 to +175 over the last two seasons.

The Mets took the season series last year 4-3, but will be facing Wolf, who has won last five decisions over the Metropolitans (7-0 team record in L7starts). First pitch is scheduled for 10:10 Eastern in local markets and on MLB.TV.