Mon Oct 14 20:20:00 UTC 2024: ## Mets Face Crucial Game 2 with Lefty Manaea, Ohtani Looming Large
**LOS ANGELES –** The New York Mets face a critical Game 2 of the NLCS on Monday against the Los Angeles Dodgers, and a key factor will be the ability of left-handed pitcher Sean Manaea to contain the red-hot Shohei Ohtani.
Manaea, who has found new life with a revamped arm slot, has been a dominant force for the Mets since July. However, the Dodgers’ offensive juggernaut, spearheaded by MVP candidate Ohtani, presents a significant challenge. Ohtani has been particularly effective against lefties, boasting a .395/.442/.798 slash line with 12 homers in those situations.
The Mets were already in a tight spot after a 9-0 drubbing in Game 1, where they were forced to use four relievers, including both southpaws David Peterson and Danny Young, due to a shortened start from Kodai Senga.
The Mets’ bullpen is now depleted, with Peterson unavailable for Game 2. This leaves Manager Carlos Mendoza with a limited selection of lefties to face Ohtani, who put on a show in Game 1, collecting two hits, an RBI, and two runs.
While Manaea has faced Ohtani nine times in the past, the Dodgers’ slugger has had the upper hand, going 2-for-7 with two walks and no extra-base hits. The Mets may need to rely on young rookie Danny Young or even closer Edwin Diaz in key moments to neutralize Ohtani.
Young, who has shown an eagerness to pitch in any situation, expressed his readiness to step up, saying, “I pride myself on being available no matter what. I’m always available.”
The Mets are now facing the daunting task of containing Ohtani with a depleted bullpen and a limited number of lefties available. Manaea’s performance in Game 2 could determine the outcome of the series, as the Mets aim to even the score and force a return to Queens for Game 3.
First Piper 