After two days of a single game, we’re back to have a doubleheader of league championship series action. It’s glorious. We’re set for Game 3 of the NLCS with the Braves holding a 2-0 lead over the Dodgers and Game 4 of the ALCS with the Red Sox leading the Astros 2-1.
As has been and will continue to be the case, I’m doing the game picks over on SportsLine. I’ve gone 15-7-1 thus far in the playoffs — and that was after an 0-1-1 (moneyline and over/under pick) start in the AL Wild Card Game — so hop on over there and subscribe.
In this space, we’ll focus on props, the over/under and other fun.
All odds courtesy of Caesars Sportsbook.
Latest Odds: Los Angeles Dodgers -1.5
Under 7.5, -120
Starters Charlie Morton and Walker Buehler are both good and will put together strong outings.
Buehler had a 2.05 ERA at Dodger Stadium this season. He only allowed two runs in seven innings in his first outing against the Braves this season. He’s coming off a huge NLDS outing in which he helped save the Dodgers’ season and he’s well-rested.
Morton had a 2.71 ERA in his last 12 regular-season starts and threw very well in the NLDS. He was actually better on the road this season with a 3.06 ERA away from Truist Park. He saw the Dodgers twice this year and pitched to a 2.45 ERA and 0.91 WHIP.
Both bullpens are rested after the day off.
The Dodgers are hitting .233/.304/.361 this postseason. The Braves are hitting .237/.299/.371.
This is a low under, but everything indicates this will be a duel.
Latest Odds: Boston Red Sox -1.5
Over 10, -110
The Astros pitching staff is in total disarray. The Red Sox offense is on a historic power run. Astros starter Zack Greinke fell apart down the stretch and has only pitched twice since Sept. 19, throwing 28 and 21 pitches, respectively. It’s hard to see him holding down the Red Sox offense for long.
I also don’t think the Astros offense is going to go quietly here. They were the best offense in the American League by several measures in the regular season, including runs, average and on-base percentage. Red Sox starter Nick Pivetta threw well in the ALDS, but he’s not exactly an ace. He had a 4.53 ERA in the regular season.
We’ve seen nine, 14 and 15 runs, respectively, so far in this series. The Red Sox are hitting .296/.377/.602. Ten is a high over, but this series is taking offense to the next level.
Red Sox score first +120
The Red Sox have scored first in each of the last two games with huge early-inning outputs. The Astros did score in the first inning in Game 1 and have an offense capable of bursting through, so by no means is this an easy bet. Given how compromised Greinke is, though, I like the Red Sox to score in either the first or second inning while Pivetta can probably get through the order one time before getting knocked around.
