For the most part, what happens in individual games in the regular season doesn't have much bearing on potential postseason scenarios. But there are special cases, as exemplified in the NLCS rematch between the Dodgers and Mets.

The Dodgers and Mets play again on Wednesday night, with both teams hoping that it will not be another extra-inning affair. The teams have already had three of those in their season series

The Mets had a lead late in Thursday's matchup with the Dodgers until third baseman Brett Baty committed a costly throwing error.

BOTTOM LINE: The New York Mets take a 2-1 advantage into the next game of the series against the Los Angeles Dodgers. Los Angeles is 37-25 overall and 22-11 in home games. The Dodgers have gone 14-3 in games when they did not allow a home run.

Landon Knack starts for the Dodgers, having pitched six innings in his last two starts. He allowed three runs (one earned) in a loss to the Mets on May 25, then beat the Yankees while allowing only one run on May 31 at home.

Will the Mets get back on track and take an important series over the Dodgers this weekend? Or will the Dodgers win what could be a potential playoff preview against the Mets in the Big Apple?

Finally, Los Angeles Dodgers superstar Shohei Ohtani is resuming the two-way responsibilities that contributed to his ascension. The Japanese phenom has already proven he can strike fear into opponents with only a bat. Nonetheless, the reigning World Series champions are ready to unleash him.