NLDS deadlocked at 2-2
Max Scherzer struggled to keep the ball down in the Nationals’ NLDS-opening loss. Will he be able to exhibit superior command with their season on the line?
The Nats and Dodgers meet in a climactic Game 5 tonight, with an 8:05 p.m. ET first pitch on the East Coast. Online sports book Bovada.lv gives the hosts odds of -120 to advance to the next round, while Los Angeles represents a +115 underdog. The over/under run figure holds steady at seven.
Dave Roberts’ bunch forced the action back to Washington with Tuesday’s 6-5 triumph. Clayton Kershaw did not figure into the decision, but the ace lefty struck out 11 on short rest. Adrian Gonzalez and Joc Pederson also recorded two RBIs apiece.
Can the middle of the order inflict such damage against Scherzer shortly? Dusty Baker’s No. 1 hurler owns only a 4-4 record with a 3.93 ERA across 13 playoff appearances. If he permits another long ball or two here, it could be curtains on the Nats’ campaign.
MLB Quick Links: Scores & Matchups | Injuries | Odds Comparison | Betting Trends | ATS Stats
Los Angeles counters with Rich Hill. The veteran lefty’s 0-2 with an 8.59 ERA in two postseason turns. While we respect the manner in which he’s resurrected his career this season, Scherzer’s the $210 million guy for a reason. Expect the Nationals to hold serve and advance to meet the Cubs.
THURSDAY MLB FREE PICK: NATIONALS -1.5