It’s been a little while since I wrote an MLB article here at TheOddsBreakers but this is a huge game in the most interesting series of the early playoffs. The Giants continue to keep pace ahead of their rival and the Dodgers are now in a “win or go home” scenario. This should make for good TV. We’re 42-21 in our last 63 MLB free picks!
For my premium picks delivered to your inbox EVERY DAY, click here!
NBA: 207-152 (58%) – MLB: 228-198 (54%) – NFL: 38-33 (54%), +17 units
Giants win (+146), 2 units: This is what the Giants have been doing all year — drifting by their foe — and I think today will mark the final leg of their most successful year in a long time. Last year’s World Champion Dodgers haven’t been able to cruise like they have in previous seasons. They earned their right to play in the postseason after a Wildcard win against the Cardinals, and now they’re down 1-2 in the NLDS against their arch-rival from San Francisco. Anthony DeSclafani (3.17 ERA, 1.09 WHIP) has had a sensational season, but it hasn’t always been sensational against the Dodgers. In 6 outings against LAD, DeSclafani posted subpar numbers– 23.6 innings, 33 hits, 22 runs allowed — but here’s the good news: DeSclafani has maintained a sub 4.00 ERA, xERA, and xFIP all season; that’s hard to do. He limits hard contact (1.02 HR/9 innings) and has an exceptional LOB rate (78.3%). And in recent past, DeSclafani has been electric. He finished the season strong, boasting a 2.67 ERA in September, and he only permitted 2 hits and 0 runs in his last start against LAD. I trust DeSclafani, who undoubtedly wants to show out better than ever in this spot, and I trust the Giants’ considerably more dependable bullpen.
Walker Buehler (4.26 ERA, 1.11 WHIP) was announced for today’s showdown and to me, it reeks. I think this is a mistake by the Dodgers, and I was actually hoping they’d play Buehler for this bet. No doubt, Buehler has been the man this year for LAD. He’s been as dependable as any pitcher in MLB throughout the season, but recent history does not favor Buehler. September was by far his worst month of the year (5.40 ERA), and last time he faced the Giants he allowed 6 hits and 3 runs in just over 6 innings. On top of that, he’s coming into today’s start on only 3 days rest. As most of us probably know, “similar assignments were responsible for some of Clayton Kershaw’s worst postseason moments” (quote courtesy of the LA Times).
The Giants are not intimidated by the Dodgers, they’re poised, they’re coached extremely well, and despite what many others will tell you, I think they have the better pitcher today. I’ll take SF for 2 units and some nice + money!
