DeGrom Key as Mets Look to Tie Series

Boston took Game 1 with a comeback effort, so the pressure is on New York to tie the series.

The online sportsbook has the Mets as -260 favorites and the over/under line at 7. Therefore, a low-scoring contest is expected.

DeGrom Fans 15

DeGrom’s outing against Washington on Friday couldn’t have gone much better for the superstar.

It was a complete game where he notched 15 strikeouts and allowed only two hits. DeGrom was dominant in the 6-0 victory and it continued his impressive start to the season.

The 32-year-old has an ERA of 0.31, the best in the majors. He has allowed only 13 hits and has struck out 50, which is tied for second.

Career-high 15 strikeouts for Jacob deGrom ♨️

He has 50 strikeouts in his first four starts this season, the most in MLB history 🤯

(via @Mets) pic.twitter.com/E6rzTwBqzQ

SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) April 24, 2021

Mets acting general manager Zack Scott feels fortunate to watch someone of deGrom’s caliber.

“There aren’t many guys you watch where you’re just shaking your head thinking how unbelievable it is,” Scott told MLB.com. “You just feel fortunate every time you watch him, because he’s so special. He’s getting better with age. His velocity is up, which defies logic and what’s normal. I’m definitely appreciating the moment and living in the moment every time he pitches because it’s really fun.”

There is little doubt that deGrom is one of, if not the best, pitcher in major league baseball. That’s the task facing the Boston Red Sox on Wednesday, but Pivetta will no doubt be up for the challenge.

Don’t Overlook Pivetta

He’s not deGrom, but Pivetta has made a noteworthy start to the season.

The Red Sox pitcher is 2-0 over four starts. Three of those games were quality outings, but he was pulled after just 3.2 innings against the ChicagoWhite Sox after allowing four hits and four walks.

He bounced back against Seattle when allowing only one hit in a 7-3 loss, but his three walks were costly. Pivetta will derive plenty of benefit from his last two outings and he can rely on getting more run support than deGrom.

Boston has Scoring Advantage

Scoring runs on deGrom isn’t easy, but the Boston Red Sox are by far the better offensive team.

They have played six more games than New York, but Boston has a significant advantage in runs, hits, home runs and batting average.

The Red Sox have a .276 average and they have scored 119 runs on 213 hits, compared to the 56 runs on 130 hits for the Mets.

Boston had its doubters during the preseason, but it has come out swinging and it’s good to see. J.D. Martinez is batting .353 with seven home runs and 21 RBIs. He leads the Red Sox in most major statistical categories and, given his class, it’s not surprising.

Another advantage is Boston’s record away from home and as an underdog. It’s 7-1 away from Fenway and 8-1 as an underdog, which is certainly the case for Game 2.

The Red Sox scored a 2-1 win on Tuesday and that momentum could carry over.

MLB lines have the Red Sox at +210, which is a significant price given their form.

Red Sox vs Mets Betting Trends

Boston has reason to be confident of a victory in Game 2. It is 4-1 in the last five meetings in New York and 8-1 in its last nine road games.

We’re not sure how many of those came against deGrom, but statistics don’t often care who is on the mound. The Red Sox are also 5-1 in their last six as a road underdog and 6-1 in their last seven games when the total is set lower than seven runs.

The only negative betting trend for Boston is its 1-4 recent record when facing right-handed starters.

New York is 5-1 in its last six home games against a right-handed starter and 5-1 in its last six home games overall, but the Mets struggle in interleague and during Game 2 of a series.

They are 1-4 in their last five of Game 2 of a series and 1-4 from their last five interleague games.

Boston has the clear betting trend advantage, so it makes for an intriguing battle.

Red Sox vs Mets Game Pick

One player can have a massive effect on the betting line and that’s Jacob deGrom. If he wasn’t pitching, Boston would likely be slight favorites.

We can’t recommend taking the -260 for Mets to win; it’s too short. We recommend taking the Red Sox +1.5 runs, as we think they can keep it close.

We think deGrom will get plenty of strikeouts, but if Boston can get to him early, he could give up some runs.

Boston can still lose the game by a run for bettors to cash, so there is security taking the +1.5 option.

Pick: Boston Red Sox +1½ runs (Ev)