Predictions For Game 1: Harvey Shines in Mets Win

Tonight is Game 1 of the World Series. You can hear the first pitch at 8:07 right here on 104.5 The Team.

Below comes the essential information, as well as my game predictions, keys to the game, and bold predictions.

The Pitching Matchup: Matt Harvey (Mets) vs. Edison Volquez (Royals)

What the Mets Need to Do to Win: The Mets need to take advantage of Volquez mistakes. He was electric in both his starts against Toronto in the ALCS - but one bad inning (three walks, HBP), doomed him in a Game 5 loss. The Mets need to take advantage of his mistakes. If he's going to get himself into trouble - let him do it. The Royals have an electric back end of the bullpen. If the Mets are to win, they need to get a lead early.

What the Royals Need to Do to Win: The Royals need to get Matt Harvey out of the game as early as possible. The Mets biggest weakness is their mid-relief. If Harvey is out after five innings or less, the Mets don't have great options until closer Jeurys Familia.

Key to the Game For the Mets #1: Harvey needs to have great secondary stuff. He needs to be able to command his off-speed pitches. The Royals have the highest batting average in baseball against pitches of 95+ MPH, so Harvey won't be able to just use his velocity. He needs to get ahead and he needs to stay ahead.

Key to the Game For the Mets #2: Lucas Duda. He is the key to the series for the Mets offense. The Royals won't allow Daniel Murphy to beat them. Yoenis Cespedes will be pitched to carefully. Duda will need to be a run producer.

Prediction: I do think the Royals will win the series in six games, but I think Harvey shines tonight on the road. I think it's close, but the Mets win it 4-2.