### Dodgers Aim to Extend Scoreless Streak, Mets Seek Rebound in Game 2

LOS ANGELES — Heading into Game 2 of the National League Championship Series on Monday afternoon, the Mets are eager for a series split to carry momentum back home. However, the Dodgers plan to thwart those hopes with a Major League-record-tying 33-inning scoreless streak they intend to extend. Los Angeles is confident such a defensive show will deepen the Mets' challenge in this seven-game series.

"This is going to be a long series, so we're just going to have to continue to go out there and continue to battle and come with that same confidence," remarked Mets outfielder Starling Marte, via an interpreter. "The motivation of this team and the energy is still here."

After a solid win in Game 1, the Dodgers hold a significant advantage over the Mets under the current 2-3-2 format. Historically, teams that win the first game on their home turf advance 67% of the time. Nevertheless, the Mets have demonstrated resilience before, having outplayed strong contenders like the Braves to clinch their playoff berth and then defeating division champions Brewers and Phillies.

"It's a really good team over there still," acknowledged Dodgers Game 1 starter Jack Flaherty. "We'll enjoy tonight, but we've got a quick turnaround."

To even the series, the Mets must dismantle the Dodgers' effective bullpen strategy, which has been pivotal this postseason. The Dodgers plan to counter Mets starter Sean Manaea with a bullpen game, a tactic that has previously yielded excellent results.

"Just because it's not a [traditional] starter doesn't mean we're not going to have a big league game," Mets shortstop Francisco Lindor pointed out. "They have a really good team on the other side, and they're comfortable enough to go out there and bring their bullpen because they have a good bullpen. So we've just got to learn from today, come back tomorrow, and put it all together."

Game 2 kicks off at 4 p.m. ET/1 p.m. PT at Dodger Stadium, available on FOX and FS1 in the U.S., and on MLB.TV worldwide. Mets fans will watch their ace Sean Manaea, who has boasted a 3.09 ERA across his final 12 regular-season starts and a 2.25 ERA in two postseason games. Manaea's recent performance, particularly a seven-inning, one-run NLDS Game 3, suggests he's in top form.

Opposing him, the Dodgers will start Ryan Brasier, who effectively spearheaded a bullpen game in the NLDS Game 4 against the Padres, achieving nine shutout innings. Brasier will need to replicate that success to fend off a determined Mets offense.

It's a pivotal matchup where the Mets' daily lineup decisions by Manager Carlos Mendoza will be key, particularly given Jeff McNeil's availability and the choice between Jesse Winker and J.D. Martinez at DH. The Mets need strategic adjustments to counter the Dodgers' predominantly right-handed pitching staff.

As the series intensifies, both teams understand the high stakes. For the Mets, breaking the Dodgers' scoreless streak could be crucial, while the Dodgers aim to leverage their pitching depth and home advantage to command the series.