Last Updated on October 1, 2016 5:16 pm by Brad Burns
Kershaw aims to disrupt Giants’ wild-card bid
In several hours, Clayton Kershaw gets his final tune-up for the postseason. But will the Dodgers’ ace stay in the game long enough to make life miserable for San Francisco?
The two rivals at 4:05 p.m. ET in the Bay Area. Online sports book Bovada.lv gives Los Angeles odds of -195 to triumph, whereas the Giants represent +175 underdogs. The over/under run total sits at seven.
Since returning from a back ailment on Sept. 9, Kershaw has gone 1-1 with a 1.06 ERA in four appearances. He only worked into the seventh on one of those occasions, with the Dodgers’ secure playoff footing allowing skipper Dave Roberts to exercise caution. Yet don’t be if surprised if the perennial All-Star lobbies to just keep dealing vs. San Francisco. Kershaw boasts an 18-7 record in 34 career outings against Bruce Bochy & Co.
The Giants will counter with 21-year-old rookie Ty Blach. If the lefty falters early, however, expect Albert Suarez to check in without delay. Holding a one-game lead over St. Louis for the second wild-card spot in the National League, the hosts can’t afford to fall into sizable hole here.
MLB Quick Links: Scores & Matchups | Injuries | Odds Comparison | Betting Trends | ATS Stats
Despite Roberts’ insistence that Los Angeles wants to play this series straight, last night’s 9-3 setback didn’t remotely resemble nine competitive innings. Kershaw may push through five frames, but that should be the extent of it. Bank on the hunger factor to power AT&T Park’s regular inhabitants.
SATURDAY MLB FREE PICK: GIANTS +1.5