Johan Santana: New York Mets SP Is Perfect Against the Los Angeles Dodgers

The Los Angeles Dodgers (49-44) and New York Mets (47-45) will open up a three-game National League series on Friday night at Citi Field, with the first pitch scheduled for 7:10 ET

Los Angeles Dodgers at New York Mets

Los Angeles is coming off one of its most exciting wins of the 2012 campaign, capturing a 5-3 walk-off victory over the Philadelphia Phillies on Wednesday afternoon, as All-Star outfielder Matt Kemp provided the big hit. “We’re going to go on the road and get on fire, baby,” Kemp stated after the game. The Dodgers have been one of the worst teams in the league since June 15, scoring five or more runs only four times, while going 8-20 over that span. Los Angeles is 2-4 as a road underdog of +125 to +150, with the “under” going 4-1 in those contests.

Dodgers starting pitcher Aaron Harang (6-5, 3.53 ERA) didn’t factor into the decision of a 7-6 home loss to the San Diego Padres last time out, giving up four runs (three earned) and four hits over seven frames. The right-hander is 4-3 with a 4.09 ERA in 10 road outings, surrendering just three home runs in 55 frames. In nine lifetime starts versus the Mets, Harang has tallied a 3-4 record and 6.09 ERA.

New York snapped a season-high six-game losing streak with a 9-5 road win over the Washington Nationals Thursday afternoon, with All-Star third baseman David Wright leading the way, homering twice and finishing with five RBIs. “Either we stick with it and keep going out there and grinding away, or we fold up shop,” commented Wright about the team’s current standing. The Mets need to try and find a reliever at the Trade Deadline, as the bullpen ranks 30th in the league in ERA. New York is 5-3 as a home favorite of -125 to -150, with the “under” going 5-2 in those contests.

Mets starting pitcher Johan Santana (6-6, 3.59 ERA) has dropped back-to-back starts, allowing 13 runs and 21 hits over 9.2 innings of work. The left-hander is 4-2 with a 2.14 ERA in nine home outings, with opposing hitters batting just .214 against him. In five career games versus the Dodgers, Santana has tallied a perfect 5-0 record and 0.50 ERA, including a 5-0 road win on June 30.