Preview: Struggling Mets Face Hot Dodgers in Los Angeles

LOS ANGELES (Interstat) — The New York Mets, looking to halt a four-game skid, open a three-game series against the National League West-leading Los Angeles Dodgers on Monday night at Dodger Stadium.

The Mets (7-9) arrive reeling after being swept at home by the Athletics, including a 1-0 loss Sunday where they managed just five hits. Their offense has mustered only nine runs during the losing streak.

Left-hander David Peterson (0-2) will start for New York, tasked with slowing a Dodgers lineup that has powered the club to an 11-4 start, the best in the NL. Peterson seeks his first win after taking losses in his first two outings.

He faces a tall order against a Dodgers team that averages over six runs per game at home. Los Angeles is coming off a 5-2 loss to Texas on Sunday but had won seven of its previous eight.

The Dodgers’ bullpen has been a strength, with right-hander Will Klein emerging as a key arm. In his last appearance Sunday, Klein struck out four over two scoreless innings. For the season, he has a 1.80 ERA with 12 strikeouts in 6 2/3 innings.

A player to watch for the Mets is right-hander Freddy Peralta, though he is not scheduled to start Monday. Peralta pitched brilliantly in a hard-luck loss Sunday, allowing one run over six innings with six strikeouts. He has a 2.70 ERA over his last three appearances.

According to Interstat’s game simulator, the Dodgers are projected to win 7-3. Los Angeles is installed as a pregame favorite with a spread of -1.5. The over/under is set at 8.5 runs.

Following the series, the Mets continue a road trip with three games in Chicago against the Cubs. The Dodgers hit the road for a seven-game trip to Colorado and San Francisco after Wednesday’s finale.

First pitch is scheduled for 7:10 p.m. PDT.