Today, the Mets and Dodgers go at it for the third time in the series. The series is tied 1-1 after yesterday’s impressive win by the Dodgers, which included a save be Eric Gagne. The Mets are a slight favorite today at -112 as they send Tom Glavine to the mound. The Dodgers, +102, counter with Odalis Perez. It should be a great match up.

The Mets have been holding on to their first place lead. Over their last 10 games, they are 6-4 and they are 8-7 against the West. The Dodgers are treading water at 5-5. They are 9-9 against the East and 19-13 at home. Additionally, they are playing inspired since they have their closer back. The Dodgers are sitting just 1.5 games back of the West lead—well within striking distance.

Odalis Perez has a 6.05 ERA overall, including a 4.76 ERA at home. He has been showing up in relief appearances, but gets the start today as it looks like he has improved. If you factor out his current form to a starting roll, he will probably give up 1-3 runs today. He had 3 bad outings this year, which caused his ERA to shoot up big time.

Tom Glavine has been money at home and decent on the road. At home he has a 1.57 ERA, but on the road his ERA swells to 3.97. His current form suggests that he will go 6-7 innings and give up 3 runs. His last road outing was at Florida. He pitched 7 2/3rds innings and allowed 3 runs. However, this was against Florida.

On paper, this game looks to be an even affair. If forced to choose, I would take the Mets. While Perez has had some nice relief outings, he must stretch his performance tonight and there may be a little rust after the first couple of innings. The Dodgers need him to go 6-7 innings and I am not sure that will happen. Meanwhile, Glavine should have little trouble giving the Mets 7 strong innings.