Mets vs. Dodgers: NLDS Game 5 Preview & Prediction

The Los Angeles Dodgers rode a brilliant seven-inning performance by ace Clayton Kershaw to a 3-1 victory in Game 4 of the NLDS, wresting home-field advantage back from the New York Mets to force a decisive Game 5 in Southern California. All eyes will be on Dodger Stadium tonight as we find out who will join the Chicago Cubs in the 2015 National League Championship Series. Who's got the edge? Here's our Mets vs. Dodgers: NLDS Game 5 Preview & Prediction.

Pitchers: 

Jacob deGrom (NYM) [1-0, 0.00 ERA] vs. Zack Greinke (LAD) [1-0, 2.57 ERA]

Projected Starting Lineups: 

New York Mets

RF Curtis Granderson 
3B David Wright
2B Daniel Murphy
CF Yoenis Cespedes
1B Lucas Duda
C Travis d'Arnaud
LF Michael Conforto
SS Wilmer Flores
SP Jacob deGrom

Los Angeles Dodgers 

2B Howie Kendrick
SS Corey Seager
1B Adrian Gonzalez
3B Justin Turner
RF Andre Ethier
C Yasmani Grandal
LF Enrique Hernandez
CF Joc Pederson
SP Zack Greinke

Key To The Game: 

Can Jacob deGrom provide a repeat performance? The 27-year-old righty rose to the occasion in Game 1, scattering five hits over seven scoreless innings, walking one and striking out 13. We've got a good idea about what we'll see out of Zack Greinke who's given up two or fewer runs in 27 of his 33 starts. The question here is where deGrom is ready to take a historic step, outdueling Greinke and sealing an NLCS matchup with the Cubs. He's proven himself capable, but this is the biggest stage he's pitched on in his career so far. We'll see.

Prediction: Dodgers win 3-2

We're predicting that neither Greinke or deGrom will factor into the official decision as both leave late with the game still in question. Close games late usually favor the final at-bat, and the Dodgers will take advantage of that with a late rally to move on to the NLCS.