Los Angeles asks former MVP to save its year
On the brink of elimination, the Dodgers have little choice but to turn to Clayton Kershaw. Can the ace lefty deliver on short rest, though?
Los Angeles takes on Washington this afternoon, with a 5:05 p.m. ET first pitch on the West Coast. Online sports book Bovada.lv gives Kershaw & Co. odds of -240 to extend the NLDS. Conversely, Dusty Baker’s troops are regarded as +210 underdogs. The over/under run total sits at 6.5.
The host squad trails the Nats 2-1 in the best-of-five set because of yesterday’s 8-3 blunder. While Kershaw wasn’t particularly sharp in Game 1, skipper Dave Roberts obviously wants the six-time All-Star on the rubber when it comes to a must-win situation. If No. 22 falters early, look for Julio Urias to be the first man out of the bullpen. The 20-year-old rookie went 5-2 with a 3.39 ERA during the regular season.
On the other side, Stephen Strasburg’s continued absence forces Baker to call upon Joe Ross. The fireballing righty posted a 2.79 ERA in September. Multiple bouts of shoulder soreness, however, interrupted the California native’s campaign.
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With so many variables in the air, we’re expecting a rather disjointed affair at Chavez Ravine. The Dodgers could well drive the action back to the nation’s capital, but Kershaw’s less-than-optimal state will require more offensive support than usual. In short, go high.
TUESDAY MLB FREE PICK: NATIONALS/DODGERS OVER 6.5 RUNS