Game 3 Preview: Dodgers at Mets, 1:10 PM

STARTING PITCHERS
R.A. Dickey (1-3, 4.62 ERA, 1.51 WHIP, 1.44 K/BB): Unlike 2010, Dickey has been extremely inconsistent in 2011. The knuckleballer looked like his old self against the Nationals two starts ago (6.6 innings, 8 hits, 2 earned-runs, 1 walk, and 3 strikeouts), but reverted back to “hittability land” against the Giants in his last outing (6 innings, 7 hits, 6 earned-runs, 1 walk, and 1 strikeout). Dickey isn’t making excuses, and knows he has to pitch better–especially when his offense actually provides sufficient support (5.07 runs/game started). (Career vs. Dodgers: .111/.111/.167 line with a 0.00 ERA, 0.35 WHIP, 6 Strikeouts/0 Walks)

Clayton Kershaw (3-3, 3.38 ERA, 1.23 WHIP, 3.00 K/BB): Despite his young age (23), Kershaw is already one of the better aces in baseball. The left-handed pitcher has a knack for walking batters (4.1 BB/9 career), but his control battles seem to be getting better (3.0 BB/9 in 2011). Look for “The Claw” to sit-down a lot of Mets batters.

BATTING LINEUPS