MLB Best Bets for Every Playoff Game Today (October 12)
By Peter Dewey
We have a pair of Game 2s on Wednesday in the National League Division Series, and the defending World Series champions have their backs against the wall.
The Atlanta Braves were upset in Game 1 against the Philadelphia Phillies, as their ninth-inning comeback came up short, losing 7-6. The Braves now turn to Kyle Wright (21-5 on the season) to even this series on Wednesday afternoon.
In the other matchup, we have aces Clayton Kershaw and Yu Darvish toeing the rubber for the Los Angeles Dodgers and San Diego Padres in Game 2. L.A. took advantage of getting to face San Diego’s No. 4 starter in Mike Clevinger in Game 1, but does the offense show up against Darvish, who dominated in the wild card round?
Here’s my best bet for both of the NLDS games on Wednesday:
Philadelphia Phillies vs. Atlanta Braves Prediction and Best Bet
- Pick: Braves ML (-175)
Yes, the Philadelphia Phillies pulled off the upset in Game 1, but I don’t see that happening again in Game 2.
Atlanta is the more talented team, and I think Kyle Wright is the perfect guy to have on the mound in this matchup. The Braves were an impressive 24-6 in Wright’s 30 starts this season.
He’s pitched well against the Phillies in 19.0 innings this season, going 2-1 in those starts and holding them to just six runs.
That’s not to discount Wheeler, who was solid in his three outings against the Braves this season, allowing five earned runs across 20 innings pitched. The Phillies went 2-1 in those games.
However, the Phillies’ bullpen nearly imploded in the ninth in Game 1 after being up 7-3, and with closer David Robertson (calf) out for this series, I have very little confidence in them after Wheeler leaves the game.
San Diego Padres vs. Los Angeles Dodgers Prediction and Best Bet
- Pick: UNDER 7 (+105)
After scoring five quick runs in Game 1, things won’t come as easy for the Los Angeles dodgers against Yu Darivsh, who pitched relatively well against them this season.
Darvish has allowed seven runs across 25.0 innings (four starts) against Los Angeles this season. One those seven runs, five came in one game, so he really dominated in the other three outings.
His two best outings were a six-inning, one-hit performance early in the season and a seven-inning, two-hit performance in his last outing against L.A. on Sept. 2.
On the Dodgers side, Clayton Kershaw made just two starts against the Padres this season, allowing one earned run in 12 innings pitched.
Both of these starters come into this game pitching well, as Kershaw closed the regular season with a 1.54 ERA in his final seven starts after being activated off the injured list. Darvish, who dominated the New York Mets in the wild card, pitching seven innings and allowing just one run, hasn't allowed more than three runs in a start since Aug. 13.
With that in mind, I really like the UNDER in this game, especially at plus money.
The Dodgers were No. 2 in MLB in bullpen ERA this season, and both of these starters could give some serious length in this game as well. After a rather average offensive game on Tuesday, even with Clevinger pitching, I think we’re due for a low-scoring battle in Game 2.
Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.
Find Peter Dewey’s full betting record here.