The Los Angeles Dodgers head into the postseason with the best record in the league. They’ll be putting their skill to the test against the Milwaukee Brewers, who come into the wild card series as heavy underdogs. Most experts predict the Dodgers in a 2-game sweep, as they have won four-straight entering the postseason.
The Brewers could shock the sports world with an upset in Game 1 as +210 underdogs. The Brewers have some notable wins under their belt, but things get ramped up in the playoffs – especially when having to travel out West.
What Does Milwaukee Need To Do Better?
The Brewers have quietly worked their way into the postseason with a 29-31 record. Although it isn’t much to celebrate, edging into the Wild Card gives you the opportunity to compete for a championship, regardless of the regular season. The way it looks to me is that if Milwaukee’s batting could match their pitching, they’d be in much better shape heading into this series versus the Dodgers.
The trouble Milwaukee has is staying competitive scoring runs. In their last game of the season versus the Cardinals, the Cardinals scored four runs in the third inning which gave the Brewers six innings to score. In those last six innings the Brewers were only able to score twice, ending the game with a 5-2 loss. If you need an indication of what the Brewers should focus on in the offseason, it’s right there.
Dodgers Ready To Roll Through Postseason
There probably isn’t a team more ready for the postseason than the Los Angeles Dodgers. After finishing with a 43-17 regular season record and a league best +136 run differential, it’s no wonder why they’re the favorite to win the World Series. That isn’t to say that the Dodgers haven’t had their fair share of struggles, they just know how to deal with them better than most teams. Even when injuries plagued L.A., they battled through and are now in prime position to coast through the postseason.
Right Fielder Mookie Betts is the only injury concerning the Dodgers. Betts suffered a hip injury, but is probable to play in the first game against Milwaukee. With that being the only injury to the Dodgers lineup, you can tell that there isn’t much standing in the way of a Game 1 win over the Milwaukee Brewers.
Keep It Simple, Take The Dodgers
I wouldn’t be surprised in the least bit if the Dodgers win two games in a row. L.A. has better pitching, much better batting, and home field, where they are 21-9 on the year. Los Angeles is also very healthy and has Walker Buehler on the hill while Milwaukee counters with Brent Suter.
The fact of the matter is that the Brewers just won’t be able to compete with the level of intensity the Dodgers bring, especially at home. Look for the Dodgers to get out ahead early and lay it on the entire game, Los Angeles Dodgers -225.
