Three Key Questions Facing the Mets Ahead of Crucial Game 4

Photo From @Metsmerized on X

The New York Mets got absolutely destroyed last night in their Game 3 NLCS matchup against the Los Angeles Dodgers, losing 8-0 in Queens. The Dodgers now lead the series 2-1.

After last night's loss, Games 4 and 5 are now must-wins for the Mets. If the Dodgers win the next two games, they will clinch the series. Even if the Dodgers win just one more game at Citi Field, it would force the Mets to head back to Los Angeles trailing 3-2 in the series—a situation no team wants to face.

Here are the three biggest questions facing the Mets as they head into Game 4. How these questions are answered will likely determine how Game 4 plays out.

Can Jose Quintana Continue His Postseason Production?

Jose Quintana is the Mets’ starting pitcher for Game 4. This will be Jose’s third postseason start this year. If Quintana is able to replicate his first two performances, the Mets will have much better odds of winning Game 4. Quintana’s first start came in Game 3 of the Wild Card series against the Brewers, where he pitched six scoreless innings while giving up four hits and striking out five. Quintana’s second performance came in Game 4 of the NLDS versus the Phillies, where he pitched five scoreless innings, giving up only two hits and striking out six. Quintana has been playing his best baseball of the season in October; can he keep it up tonight against the Dodgers? I think he has a shot. Quintana is a lefty, and the Dodgers have not been good against left-handed pitchers this postseason, batting just .213 as a team. As long as Quintana can control his command and limit his walk rate, I like the Mets’ chances with him on the mound.

What Version of Yoshinobu Yamamoto Shows Up Tonight?

The Dodgers expect Yamamoto to be an elite starting pitcher in the MLB. LA signed him to a 12-year, $325 million contract this past offseason, after playing the last seven years in Japan. Yamamoto’s inaugural MLB season has been a success for the most part, as he went 7-2 with a 3.00 ERA during the regular season. However, Yamamoto has been very inconsistent over the last month. Yamamoto was great in his last outing, which was Game 5 of the NLDS against the San Diego Padres, where he pitched five scoreless innings and only allowed two hits. Yamamoto also faced the Padres in Game 1 of this series, but the results were far different. Yamamoto got rocked, giving up five runs on five hits while only lasting three innings. Prior to that, Yamamoto pitched on 9/28 against the Colorado Rockies, where he gave up two runs on four hits through five innings. On 9/22, in another start against the Rockies, Yamamoto gave up four runs on five hits in only three innings pitched. Yamamoto pitched against the Mets once this season back in April, where he gave up four runs on seven hits in six innings pitched. If Yamamoto can replicate his last outing, the Mets are in trouble; if he replicates his three outings prior to that, the Mets could end his night early.

Can the Mets Capitalize With Runners in Scoring Position?

The Mets have not been good with RISP during the NLCS. That is the reason they got shut out in Games 1 and 3. It is also the reason they did not score 10+ runs in Game 2. When you're facing an offensive lineup as dangerous as the Dodgers, you must capitalize when given the opportunity to score; the Mets have failed in that department. In Game 1, the Mets were 0-3 with RISP, and it was actually three of their strongest hitters (Francisco Lindor, Mark Vientos, and Starling Marte) they could not come through for New York. Now I understand beggars can’t be choosers. The reality is the Mets scored seven runs in Game 2, which was enough to get them the win. However, they went 4-12 (.333) with RISP in Game 2, which means they really should have put up 10+ runs against the Dodgers, not seven. In Game 3, the Mets went 0-for-4 with runners in scoring position, including leaving the bases loaded with one out in the bottom of the 2nd inning and failing to score. If the Mets want to win Game 4, they must score with RISP, no exceptions.

What do you think the Mets need to focus on most in Game 4 to turn the series around? Comment Below.