The Los Angeles Dodgers have the distinction of being the only team in the four League Division Series to avoid going down two games to none after squeaking past the Cardinals, 3-2, on Saturday. The series now shifts to St. Louis for Game 3 all tied up at one game apiece. Which team will gain a crucial advantage?
It’s gonna be a busy Monday of sports with this Game 3 and the Monday night showdown between the Seattle Seahawks and the Washington Redskins. Check out our detailed breakdown of what the Redskins need to do to not get blown out here, and find out what the Dodgers and Cardinals could do in this pivotal Game 3.
[sc:MLBArticles ]Los Angeles Dodgers vs. St. Louis Cardinals Betting Preview
Series Schedule & Results
Game 1 – St. Louis Cardinals 10 at Los Angeles Dodgers
Game 2 – St. Louis Cardinals 2 at Los Angeles Dodgers 3
Game 3 – Monday, October 6, Los Angeles Dodgers (EVEN) at St. Louis Cardinals (-110); total 7.5 – view all MLB lines
Game 4 – Tuesday, October 7, Los Angeles Dodgers at St. Louis Cardinals
Game 5* – Thursday, October 9, St. Louis Cardinals at Los Angeles Dodgers
*If necessary
Betting on the Los Angeles Dodgers
Through the first two games of the series, the Dodgers lineup is looking as good as can be. They’ve outhit the Cardinals 24-15, 11 of which came off Cards ace Adam Wainwright in Game 1.
[sc:MLB240banner ]The heart of the lineup has looked particularly strong, with the 3-4-5 hitters Adrian Gonzalez, Matt Kemp and Hanley Ramirez going a combined 10-for-24 with six RBIs. The finally-healthy Kemp has carried on from his tremendous September in which he hit .322 with nine home runs and 25 RBIs by tallying multi-hit games in both outing in this series, including the winning home run in Game 2.
But while the lineup is thriving, the pitching staff is stuttering. After Kershaw’s disastrous start in Game 1, it was the bullpen’s turn to surrender the lead. JP Howell gave up two runs without recording an out in relief of Zack Greinke, who had given the team seven scoreless innings.
The uncertainty with the Dodger pitching isn’t likely to end in Game 3 with Hyun-Jin Ryu set to return from his bout with shoulder inflammation. Ryu will be making his first start since Sept. 12, when he left after giving up four runs in one inning against the Giants. In the five starts prior, Ryu had been excellent with an ERA of just 2.16. The Dodgers went 4-1 in those five games.
Betting on the St. Louis Cardinals
Third baseman Matt Carpenter has been keeping the Cardinals afloat through the first two games of the series. Aside from doing his job as the leadoff man – he’s gotten on base in five of his nine trips to the plate – Carpenter has also knocked in six of the team’s 11 runs thus far.
The Cards could use some more hits from the big bats in their lineup, namely Matt Adams and Yadier Molina. Adams has struggled with lefties all season (he’s batting just .190 vs. LHP), but he’ll be facing a lefty starter in Ryu that could be rusty after a month of inactivity. Matt Holliday could also benefit from Ryu’s rustiness. Holliday hit eight of his 20 homers this season off lefties, and in 300 less at-bats.
Speaking of rusty, Cardinals starter John Lackey hasn’t been super sharp since coming over from the Red Sox. In 10 starts for the Cards this season, Lackey has an unflattering 4.30 ERA. But Lackey is an experienced playoff pitcher who was an integral part of the Red Sox’s championship run last season. Lackey started four playoff games and added an inning of relief last season, and had a 2.77 ERA.
Writer’s Prediction
Ryu’s return is short-lived, while Lackey battles to give the Cards enough quality innings to edge out Game 3 at home. Create a betting account now and cash in on the MLB playoffs all the way to the World Series.
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