The Dodgers are a juggernaut, having won six of their first seven games this postseason. That includes last night’s contest, a 2-1 series-opening victory over the Brewers. Still, don’t count Milwaukee out of the NLCS just yet. The owners of baseball’s best record have a very real shot at advancing to the World Series.
Below, I’ve laid out my preview, prediction, and best bet for Tuesday’s showdown between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Milwaukee Brewers.
Los Angeles is favored (-126) over Milwaukee, with the over/under set at 7.5 runs. Let’s break down which side has the edge on DraftKings Sportsbook entering tonight’s contest.
Dodgers vs. Brewers prediction, preview
Although LA won Game 1, nothing about the win came easy. Milwaukee managed to hold the defending champs to just seven hits and two runs. However, a dominant eight-inning, scoreless outing from Blake Snell proved to be the difference. Temporary closer Roki Sasaki did struggle, allowing one run in 0.2 innings. If the rookie begins to struggle, Los Angeles’ oft-discussed bullpen issues could once again become a talking point.
On the bright side for the Brewers, Monday’s contest was a bullpen day. That means almost all of Milwaukee’s best arms are available to pitch today, including Freddy Peralta. Through 176.2 innings of work, the right-hander has notched a 2.70 ERA, 1.08 WHIP and 204 strikeouts. However, he was hit hard last week against the Cubs (4.0 IP, 3 ER). Regardless, the Dominican has had some success against the Dodgers. Over eight career outings vs. Los Angeles, he’s recorded a 3.29 ERA. That includes a six-inning, scoreless outing at home on July 7th.
Winning cures everything. Therefore, it’s no surprise that Shohei Ohtani’s lackluster postseason has flown under the radar. Through seven playoff games, the three-time MVP is slashing .138/.286/.345. Could tonight be the moment he returns to form? Ohtani has crushed two homers over nine career at-bats vs. Peralta. Fellow Dodgers stars Mookie Betts (.417 OPS) and Freddie Freeman (.709 OPS) have struggled against the right-hander.
For the visitors, it’ll be Yoshinobu Yamamoto taking the hill. Much like Peralta, it’s been a season to remember for LA’s ace. Over 173.2 innings pitched, he’s posted a 2.49 ERA, 0.99 WHIP and 201 strikeouts. The Japanese hurler did surrender three earned runs last week against the Phillies. Tonight’s matchup won’t be much easier. Milwaukee is averaging 4.93 runs per game, the fourth-highest mark in baseball. During Yamamoto’s only appearance vs. the Brewers, on July 7th, he allowed five runs in less than one inning.
Dodgers vs. Brewers pick, best bet
Nightmare start against Milwaukee aside, Yamamoto has been nothing short of dominant this season. Ditto for Peralta, arguably the sport’s most underrated arm. The former has proven his mettle as a big-game pitcher over the past two seasons. As for the latter, his history of success against notable Dodgers hitters is worth consideration. In this battle between two of the National League’s best, runs should be at a premium.
