NL East champs welcome Los Angeles to town
Max Scherzer’s primed and ready for his first playoff assignment since 2011. But will the Washington righty be able to outduel a three-time Cy Young winner?
The Nationals tackle Clayton Kershaw and the Dodgers this afternoon, with a 5:38 p.m. ET first pitch in the District of Columbia. Online sports book Bovada.lv gives the visitors odds of -150 to grab a 1-0 NLDS advantage. Conversely, Dusty Baker’s club represents a +135 underdog. The over/under run figure sits at six.
All summer, Scherzer (20-7, 2.96 ERA) crafted his own case for that same prestigious honor. The St. Louis native led the majors in strikeouts (284) and posted a microscopic 0.97 WHIP. Nonetheless, Scherzer is just 2-4 with a 3.29 ERA in 10 career appearances vs. the Boys in Blue.
By now, Kershaw’s (12-4, 1.69) pedestrian October numbers are well-documented. The star lefty holds a 2-6 mark with a 4.59 ERA in 13 postseason affairs. Still, consider his track record against the Nats. Kershaw’s 10-2 with a 0.88 WHIP in 14 lifetime meetings with them.
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Barring something unforeseen, Baker should write out a lineup card featuring Daniel Murphy (.347/.390/.595). The second baseman’s glute-related absence didn’t stop Washington from finishing the regular campaign on a 7-4 tear, but the task of facing Kershaw requires every able-bodied individual. Regardless, bank on a low-scoring opener.
FRIDAY MLB FREE PICK: DODGERS/NATIONALS UNDER 6 RUNS