Many pundits, like myself, thought the Dodgers pitching staff would be in trouble in the postseason.

Now that looks like an ice-cold shot.

After beating the Mets 9-0 on Sunday in Game 1 of the NLCS, the Dodgers extended their consecutive scoreless innings streak to 33, tying an MLB playoff record.

The record could be all theirs on Monday when they take on the Mets in Game 2 at Dodger Stadium. Here’s a prediction and pick for the game.

Mets vs. Dodgers Game 2 Odds

Mets vs. Dodgers Game 2 Prediction

The Dodgers’ relief staff posted a 3.07 ERA in the final month of the regular season, and they carried that strong form into the playoffs.

Through 24 1/3 innings this postseason, their bullpen has a collective ERA of 2.22 and has been extremely dominant since losing 2-1 in their NLDS series with the Padres.

Manager Dave Roberts will lean on that strength in Monday’s Game 2 against the Mets. The veteran skipper will utilize a bullpen game and look to use ace Walker Buehler later in the series.

The decision makes sense because Roberts’ bullpen is in great shape. Evan Phillips is the only Dodgers reliever to throw more than nine pitches in the last three days.

After taking a gamble by starting Kodai Senga in Game 1, the Mets will turn to a much more reliable arm in Sean Manaea.

Manaea has allowed just three earned runs in twelve innings in the postseason. He now has a 3.25 ERA in his last 10 starts with a K/BB ratio of 22.6% in that span.

In those ten starts, Manaea has lowered his zone contact rate to 81.6% and increased his swinging strike rate to 12.4%. He’s adjusted his arm slot and is mixing in a new-looking sinker, which has been effective.

Manaea has allowed slug rates of .304 and .324 respectively when working in the order for the first and second time this season, but that number jumps to .430 when he faces hitters for the third time.

The Dodgers have relatively even splits against lefties and righties this season. Since the All-Star break, they have a wRC+ of 122 vs. lefties, and rank 12th in BB/K with a hard hit rate of 34.1%.

The Mets have also achieved fairly balanced splits at the plate, with a 104 wRC+ versus right-handed pitching in the second half and a 110 wRC+ versus lefties during the same period.

Mets vs. Dodgers Game 2 pick

Roberts may not be in the worst spot here, as he looks to get into the matchup early with his well-stocked bullpen, which features some elite arms in good shape.

The Dodgers will have a tough matchup against Manaea, who has pitched like a legitimate ace over the past two months after making some notable adjustments.

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For a game at Dodger Stadium, a total of 4.5 runs for the first five innings is pretty high, and I’m not sure this game warrants it. At anything better than -125 I see value bets on the first five under.

Best bet: Under 4.5 runs F5 innings (115, bet365)

Why trust New York Post betting

Nicholas Martin handicaps the NHL, MLB and NFL for the New York Post. He strives to include relevant game notes in articles to help bettors reach their own conclusions, but has also risen 180 units himself with verified picks in a sports betting app. You can find Nick at X @nickm_hockey.