Ryan Hodges
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The Diamondbacks were a great story this year. They were not expected by many to be competitive, yet here they are. Great pitching and the emergence of a young star are big reasons among many why they are in the NLDS. They will continue to lean on their strengths in what will be a tough matchup against the Dodgers. The Dodgers are obviously a stalwart in the playoffs but it feels like they should have many more than just one World Series title. This year presents as good of a chance as any to collect a second. These division foes will bring the jam in this best of 5.
If you’re looking to have some action on this game, check out our Diamondbacks vs Dodgers Same Game Parlay below for their matchup on Wednesday. You can also read our MLB predictions for picks on every game today.
Dodgers ML (-185)
Under 8.5 (-135)
Freddie Freeman 1+ RB1 (+155)
Same Game Parlay odds: +584
Dodgers ML (-185)
Death, taxes, and the Dodgers in the playoffs seem to be the only sure things in life. Los Angeles won the NL West once again and in convincing fashion, once again. They have been able to be on cruise control for the better part of the second half of the season but found a way to stay motivated. This team is 12-5 in their last 17 games and they are 16-4 in their last 20 when playing the Diamondbacks at home.
Usually, it is beyond the NLDS when the Dodgers typically fall to likely eventual World Series winner. But they are usually pretty automatic in the NLDS. Until they show anything different, the Dodgers are a difficult fade. Clayton Kershaw will get the start for Los Angeles who has rebounded from what was not the best reputation as a playoff pitcher. He and his team are motivated to claim that elusive second World Series amidst this incredible decade long run.
Under 8.5 (-135)
As mentioned, Kershaw will get the start for the Dodgers. He and his 2.46 ERA present reason enough that the under is appealing. But his counterpart on Saturday, Merrill Kelly, only reinforces the appeal of the under. Kelly has allowed 2 or fewer earned runs in 6 out of his last 8 starts including just 4 earned runs allowed in his last 18.2 innings pitched. Kershaw is still extremely reliable when he toes the mound. This pitching matchup is a great recipe for a low total on Saturday.
The under has hit in 5 out of the Diamondbacks’ last 7 games, in 8 out of the Dodgers’ last 10 games, and in 5 out of the last 6 Dodgers games at home. In their respective last 10 games, the over under/record between these teams is 6-13-1 in those combined 20 games. Solid all around pitching from the starters to the bullpens has been a primary driver behind the low totals. We should see more of the same in Game 1.
You can also check out today’s YRFI/NRFI best bets.
Freddie Freeman 1+ RBI (+155)
Freddie Freeman’s game has aged like a fine wine as he had one of the best seasons of his career this year at age 34. Freeman led a stacked lineup in batting average, OBP, hits, doubles, stolen bases, and runs scored. Batting .331 with 29 home runs, 102 RBI’s, and a .977 OPS, Freeman catapulted himself into MVP discussions. For any offense that the Dodgers are able to produce, Freeman has as good of a chance as anyone to be involved.
After a few abysmal years on a rebuilding Braves team, Freeman has now carved out a solid postseason resume between the Braves and Dodgers. In 46 postseason games played, Freeman is hitting .296 with 10 home runs and 23 RBI’s with a .947 OPS. With Mookie Betts likely hitting in front of him, Freeman has a great opportunity to drive in an RBI and pad those numbers. This +155 is solid value to supplement this same game parlay.
