Last Updated on October 7, 2016 5:56 am by Brad Burns
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