Nothing like a heavyweight NLDS clash to let you know the postseason has truly arrived. The Dodgers and Phillies are laden with ace pitchers, superstar hitters and loads upon loads of talent. Now the two squads will battle with a spot in the National League Championship Series on the line.
The Phillies open as -123 Moneyline favorites on DraftKings Sportsbook. The Dodgers are priced as +101 underdogs, while the total is set at seven runs. Let’s check out my game pick and preview for Game 1 between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Philadelphia Phillies.
Phillies vs. Dodgers preview
Cristopher Sanchez takes the mound for the Phillies in Game 1. He’s a bona fide ace wherever he pitches, but he turns into a demon at home. Sanchez has a 1.94 ERA in 97.2 innings when pitching at the Bank. But his results against the Dodgers this year were suspect; he allowed eight earned runs over two starts against LA in the regular season.
If the Phillies want to defend their home ballpark, Sanchez needs to be in top form. Luckily for them, he’s often bringing his best stuff.
But his opposite number, Shohei Ohtani, will have his say. Los Angeles’ two-way superstar has dialed things in on the mound, pitching three straight scoreless outings going into the playoffs. That includes five no-hit innings against these Phillies. Even with their star-studded lineup, their work is cut out for them. And they’ll need to stop Ohtani from burning them in the batter’s box, where he did plenty of damage against the Reds.
Both teams are full of stars, putting aces on the mound and raring to go. But who will come out on top?
Phillies vs. Dodgers prediction, best bet
It sure doesn’t feel easy to pick against Shohei Ohtani, but Cristopher Sanchez has been that good at home. He will get the Phillies off on the right foot in this NLDS.
One thing is sure: runs will be in short supply here. Shohei and Sanchez are dialed in for this matchup. A low-scoring Philadelphia victory is in the cards.
