(October 8th) MLB Playoffs Kick Off: Divisional Series Odds for Each Showdown
MLB Betting: Divisional Series October 8th
With all four Division Series heating up, Wednesday’s MLB Playoffs slate delivers nonstop drama and value across the board for bettors.
The action spans both leagues, featuring Seattle vs. Detroit in a potential ALDS clincher, Toronto vs. New York battling in the Bronx, Milwaukee vs. Chicago with the Cubs fighting to stay alive, and the reigning champion Los Angeles Dodgers looking to sweep the Philadelphia Phillies at Dodger Stadium.
Below, you’ll find complete breakdowns, key stats, and MLB Betting recommendations for all four contests, along with insight into how recent form and bullpen management could shape the outcomes. If you’re following the MLB Lines closely, this is the night to stay locked in, four elimination-threat games, four postseason atmospheres, and endless ways to cash in on the drama of October baseball.
Seattle Mariners vs. Detroit Tigers Prediction: Game 4 ALDS MLB Betting Preview
The two ALDS series are heating up, and with one team sitting a single win away from the ALCS, all eyes turn to the Pacific Northwest powerhouses in this Seattle Mariners vs. Detroit Tigers prediction.
The Seattle Mariners (2-1) have found their stride after dropping Game One, bouncing back with two straight wins to push Detroit to the edge of elimination. On Wednesday, they look to finish the job and punch their ticket to the American League Championship Series for the first time in decades.
Meanwhile, the Detroit Tigers (1-2) return home to Comerica Park with one clear goal: survive. Their 2025 season has been defined by resilience and late-season heroics, and now they’ll need that same energy to stay alive against one of the league’s most complete pitching staffs.
Expected pitching matchup: RHP Bryce Miller (SEA) vs. RHP Casey Mize (DET)
For those following MLB Betting markets, the latest MLB Odds at BUSR list this pivotal Game 4 nearly even, with the Mariners at +100 on the moneyline and the Tigers as slight favorites at home. The total sits at 8.5 runs, reflecting how evenly these teams have matched up so far in the MLB Playoffs.
Can the Mariners Punch Their Ticket to the ALCS?
The Seattle Mariners entered the MLB Playoffs as one of the hottest teams in the league, yet a frustrating Game One loss seemed to shake their confidence. That quickly changed in Games Two and Three, where they combined for 11 runs, including an offensive explosion in their 8-4 win on Tuesday.
Seattle’s approach at the plate has been patient and power-driven, led by Julio Rodríguez, Cal Raleigh, and Ty France. Rodríguez’s clutch double in Game Two set the tone for the turnaround, while Raleigh’s power surge helped carry the Mariners’ momentum back into Detroit. With three home runs in Game Three, Seattle’s bats proved capable of breaking open tight contests even against quality pitching.
The Mariners’ real strength, however, remains their pitching depth. Their rotation, anchored by Logan Gilbert and Luis Castillo, has performed under pressure. Gilbert’s six innings of one-run ball in Game Three stabilized the series, while the bullpen shut things down to secure the win.
Now, they turn to 27-year-old right-hander Bryce Miller for Game Four. Miller is making his postseason debut, and while his 5.68 ERA over 18 regular-season appearances suggests inconsistency, his stuff can be electric when he is located. His high-velocity fastball and late-breaking slider could play well against a Tigers lineup that has struggled to make consistent contact in this series.
Seattle’s road record this season, 39-42, isn’t intimidating on paper, but they’ve shown poise in hostile environments. With confidence building and the opportunity to clinch, the Mariners’ clubhouse is unified around a clear goal: end it now and avoid a nerve-wracking Game Five.
The Mariners’ bullpen depth will again be critical. Andrés Muñoz and Matt Brash have locked down late innings throughout the MLB Playoffs, combining for scoreless appearances in five of their last six outings. With both arms well-rested and the team coming off a momentum-building win, Seattle looks fully equipped to close out the series.
Can the Tigers Keep Their Season Alive?
The Detroit Tigers have battled through adversity all season long, turning what looked like a rebuild into a playoff run. Their gritty approach has earned respect across the league, but now they must prove they can handle elimination pressure in front of their home fans.
Detroit’s 46-35 home record in the regular season shows how dangerous they can be at Comerica Park. The spacious field favors their pitching staff, and it gives hitters like Riley Greene and Spencer Torkelson room to work extra-base hits into the gaps. Still, offensive production has been limited lately; the Tigers have scored only nine runs across three games in this series.
Leading the charge on the mound is Casey Mize, the 27-year-old righty who’s worked his way back into form after missing significant time earlier in his career. Mize made a brief postseason appearance already, tossing three innings of one-run ball in the Wild Card Series. He posted a solid regular season, showing better command of his fastball-slider combo and the ability to keep hitters off balance.
Detroit’s key challenge has been running support. Even in their lone win of this series, they needed late-inning heroics. In Game Three, Torkelson drove in two runs, but it wasn’t enough to overcome Jack Flaherty’s rough outing, where he surrendered four runs in 3.1 innings. The Tigers’ bullpen couldn’t contain Seattle’s late rally either, giving up key hits that put the game out of reach.
If the Tigers want to extend their season, they’ll need timely hitting and sharper defense. Their lineup has shown flashes; Kerry Carpenter and Javier Báez each have key extra-base hits this postseason, but they haven’t been able to sustain rallies. Facing Miller, Detroit must jump on early fastballs and take advantage of any lack of postseason poise from the rookie.
Defensively, the Tigers have held their own, but their inability to shut down opposing big innings has cost them. Manager A.J. Hinch has emphasized composure and early leads, knowing that trailing Seattle late means facing a bullpen that’s been nearly automatic.
Betting Prediction
The MLB Odds indicate a near pick’em game, and that reflects how close these teams have been all series long. However, with momentum firmly in Seattle’s corner, the edge tilts toward the Mariners. They’ve outscored Detroit 11-9 across the series and proven capable of delivering in high-leverage situations.
Bryce Miller may not have postseason experience, but he’ll benefit from an offense that’s finally found rhythm. Expect the Mariners to continue their aggressive approach early, forcing Mize into tough counts. Seattle’s deep bullpen and consistent late-game execution give them an additional edge when things tighten.
Detroit’s offense has been inconsistent, and while they’ve excelled at home, they’re facing a team that’s riding peak confidence. Unless Torkelson and Greene ignite a quick start, the Tigers could find themselves chasing Seattle’s offense once again.
The Mariners’ balance between pitching and power fits perfectly for MLB Betting fans looking at short plus-money opportunities. Their ability to limit mistakes and capitalize on Detroit’s vulnerable middle relief makes them the better side on the MLB Lines for Game Four.
Game Three turned into a slugfest with 12 total runs, but that result feels more like an outlier. The first two matchups combined for only 10 runs, and both teams rely heavily on their pitching identity. Expect a return to lower-scoring baseball as nerves tighten in this elimination setting.
Seattle’s defense and bullpen have held opponents to four runs or fewer in seven of their last ten contests. Detroit, for all their struggles, has kept games tight when Mize pitches efficiently. The under has hit in four of Detroit’s last six postseason games and in half of Seattle’s recent stretch.
A clean, controlled game seems likely as both managers shorten rotations and play matchups carefully. With high-leverage arms ready and cooler October air in Detroit, expect the total to stay under the number.
Pick: Moneyline Pick: Seattle Mariners -105, Under 8.5.
Milwaukee Brewers vs. Chicago Cubs Prediction: Game 3 NLDS MLB Betting Preview
The Milwaukee Brewers are one win away from completing a clean sweep of the Chicago Cubs as the NLDS shifts to Wrigley Field. In our Brewers vs. Cubs prediction, Milwaukee holds a commanding 2-0 series lead and aims to close things out quickly to secure extra rest before the NLCS.
Young right-hander Quinn Priester takes the ball for the Brewers, making his first postseason start after nearly two weeks without game action. His last appearance came on September 26 against Cincinnati, when he allowed three runs on nine hits through five innings in a losing effort.
The Chicago Cubs, now facing elimination, return home looking to extend their season. Veteran right-hander Jameson Taillon will get the start for Chicago after pitching four shutout innings in the NL Wild Card round. He allowed only two hits and struck out four in that appearance, showing command and composure that manager Craig Counsell hopes to see again under playoff pressure.
The latest MLB Odds from BUSR have the Cubs listed around -137 on the moneyline, with the total set at 8 runs. This Game 3 matchup is crucial for both teams: Milwaukee seeks rest, while Chicago fights for survival. For bettors, it offers intriguing angles across the MLB Betting board.
Brewers Looking for the Brooms
The Milwaukee Brewers have been one of the most explosive offensive teams in the MLB Playoffs, ranking second in team OPS at .939 while averaging 8.0 runs per game. Their consistent production has fueled their 2-0 series lead, and the lineup shows no signs of slowing down.
Milwaukee’s .343 team batting average trails only the Toronto Blue Jays among postseason teams. Much of that success has come from the emergence of rookie sensation Jackson Chourio, who has gone 5-for-7 with a home run, six RBI, and two runs scored so far this postseason. Chourio’s timing at the plate and ability to drive runners in have been key to the Brewers’ offensive dominance.
On the mound, Quinn Priester gets the nod in what will be his first career playoff appearance. Priester’s underlying metrics are solid, ranking in the 68th percentile for expected ERA (xERA) and in the 66th percentile for barrel percentage, meaning he limits hard contact effectively. His arsenal includes five pitches: sinker, slider, cutter, curveball, and changeup, with the curveball emerging as his most effective weapon. Hitters batted .143 against that pitch with a .347 slugging percentage, producing three home runs and striking out 20 times during the regular season.
Priester faced the Cubs three times in 2025, going 1-0 over 14.1 innings with 11 strikeouts, but also allowing 10 runs on 17 hits and issuing 11 walks. His command will be a deciding factor in whether Milwaukee can complete the sweep. The Cubs’ lineup has proven patient, and giving away free passes could quickly shift momentum.
Manager Pat Murphy will likely have a quick hook if Priester struggles early, leaning on a bullpen that has been historically dominant this postseason. The Brewers’ relievers lead all MLB Playoff teams with a 0.84 ERA, shutting down late innings and preserving every lead.
Milwaukee’s injury list remains extensive, but depth has carried them so far. The team continues to be without Brandon Woodruff (lat), Jose Quintana (calf), Shelby Miller (elbow), Logan Henderson (elbow), Jordan Montgomery (elbow), Garrett Mitchell (oblique), and Connor Thomas (elbow). Despite those losses, Milwaukee’s young arms have filled the gaps, and their offense has provided all the cushion they’ve needed.
With a chance to close the series, expect the Brewers to stay aggressive early, applying pressure on Taillon and forcing the Cubs to play from behind, a position they’ve struggled with throughout the MLB Playoffs.
Cubs Looking to Keep Their Season Alive
The Chicago Cubs return home trailing 0-2 in this best-of-five NLDS, but have shown flashes of potential offensively. They rank sixth among postseason teams with a .657 OPS, while their seven home runs rank second overall. The problem has been consistency, as they’ve averaged only 2.4 runs per game, and big hits have been hard to come by with runners in scoring position.
First baseman Michael Busch has provided a spark for Chicago, going 5-for-16 with two home runs, two RBI, and two runs scored in five postseason games. His balanced 1:1 walk-to-strikeout ratio shows improved discipline, something the Cubs will need to extend innings against Milwaukee’s elite bullpen.
Veteran righty Jameson Taillon will look to continue his solid postseason form. His Baseball Savant metrics reveal areas of concern: a 16th percentile whiff rate and a 22nd percentile strikeout rate, but his curveball has been a standout pitch. Opponents hit only .148 against the curveball with zero extra-base hits and 15 strikeouts, making it a key weapon against Milwaukee’s aggressive hitters.
Taillon’s regular-season numbers against the Brewers were mixed. In three starts, he went 2-1 over 16 innings, allowing eight runs on 16 hits with three walks and 11 strikeouts. His familiarity with this Milwaukee lineup could work to his advantage, but avoiding early traffic will be critical.
Offensively, the Cubs have the power to respond. Kyle Tucker and Dansby Swanson headline a roster filled with postseason experience, and Wrigley Field has historically been kind to their bats. Playing in front of a raucous home crowd could help ignite an early rally.
Defensively, Chicago has been sharp, and their bullpen has been a major strength throughout the MLB Playoffs. Their relievers rank fourth among postseason teams with a 2.67 ERA, a key factor that should keep this elimination game tight.
The Cubs’ injury report includes several notable absences: Cade Horton (ribs), Owen Caissie (concussion), Ryan Brasier (groin), Miguel Amaya (ankle), and Justin Steele (elbow). Despite these setbacks, the team’s core remains intact, and with Taillon leading the charge, Chicago believes it can push this series to a Game 4.
Betting Prediction
The MLB Lines suggest a tight contest, but the situational edge leans toward the home team. The Cubs have the experience and motivation needed to prevent a sweep, and Taillon’s playoff composure gives them a steady presence on the mound. Milwaukee’s rookie starter, Quinn Priester, hasn’t pitched in nearly two weeks, and while his stuff can be sharp, shaking off rust in front of an energized Wrigley crowd will be challenging.
The Brewers’ bullpen is elite, but if Priester falters early, Milwaukee could be playing catch-up before its relievers even enter the game. Chicago’s veteran hitters should be able to generate traffic and capitalize on fastballs left up in the zone. For bettors looking at MLB Betting options, the Cubs on the moneyline offer value as the more experienced side in this specific game state.
This matchup profiles as a pitcher’s duel between two strong bullpens. Milwaukee leads all postseason clubs in bullpen ERA at 0.84, while Chicago ranks fourth at 2.67. With Priester coming in well-rested and Taillon historically reliable in elimination scenarios, the expectation is for limited offense and controlled innings.
Both managers excel at situational pitching changes, Craig Counsell for Chicago and Pat Murphy for Milwaukee, and with the season on the line, each will manage every at-bat with playoff precision. Expect minimal scoring opportunities, particularly in the late innings, once the bullpens take over.
The under has hit consistently when these two teams face off in Chicago, and the combination of colder October air and tense, high-stakes baseball supports another low-scoring outcome, yet the Under 7 is very scary due to Milwaukee being such a prolific offense.
Pick: Chicago Cubs Moneyline -116.
Toronto Blue Jays vs. New York Yankees Prediction: Game 4 ALDS MLB Betting Preview
The New York Yankees extended the ALDS with a 9-6 win at Yankee Stadium on Tuesday night, forcing a critical Game 4 against the Toronto Blue Jays. In our Blue Jays vs. Yankees prediction, New York looks to even the series and send it to a decisive Game 5, while Toronto aims to punch its ticket to the ALCS after missing its first opportunity to sweep.
Right-hander Kyle Varland (4-3, 2.97 ERA) will serve as the opener for the Blue Jays, making his fourth appearance of the series after taking the loss on Tuesday. The Yankees counter with Cam Schlittler (4-3, 2.96 ERA), the rookie who starred in the Wild Card round with a dominant 12-strikeout performance.
First pitch from Yankee Stadium is scheduled for 7:08 p.m. EST, with the latest MLB Odds from BUSR listing the Yankees as slight favorites and the total set at 8.5 runs.
With both offenses firing and each pitching staff running on fumes, bettors can expect another high-scoring game between two of the American League’s most potent lineups.
Blue Jays Boot Chance to Sweep
The Toronto Blue Jays looked poised to close out the Yankees early in Game 3 after jumping out to a 6-1 lead through three innings, but defensive mistakes and overworked pitching turned the game around. Toronto committed two costly errors that extended innings and ultimately gave New York the window it needed to mount a comeback. Seven pitchers took the mound for the Jays, and five of them allowed at least one run in the 9-6 loss.
Despite the defeat, Toronto’s offense remains the most dangerous unit in the MLB Playoffs. The Blue Jays are hitting .345as a team, tops among remaining postseason clubs, and they’ve launched nine home runs through three games, two more than any other team this postseason. They’ve also added eight doubles and drawn seven walks, striking out only 18 times, demonstrating elite plate discipline and balance.
Leading the surge is Vladimir Guerrero Jr., who has been unstoppable at the plate. Guerrero has homered in three straight games and is hitting .615 in the series with eight RBIs and five runs scored. His power and ability to drive in runs have anchored an offense that has carried the team since Game 1. Ernie Clement added fuel to the lineup on Tuesday, going 4-for-4 and extending his hit streak to five consecutive at-bats.
The problem for Toronto has been pitching and defense. Blue Jays pitchers carry a 5.19 ERA and a 1.42 WHIP in the series, while the Yankees are batting .269 against them. Despite striking out 27 and walking only nine batters, Toronto has surrendered 12 earned runs from its bullpen alone across 12.1 innings. Tuesday’s starter, Shane Bieber, was hit hard early, lasting only 2.2 innings before manager John Schneider was forced to cycle through six relievers.
This trend has stretched the Blue Jays’ bullpen thin, and Wednesday will be another test of endurance. Kyle Varland, who has already appeared in all three games, gets the nod as the opener. He has a 6.75 ERA over 2.2 innings this postseason and gave up two home runs in Tuesday’s loss. During the regular season, he posted a 5.40 ERA in three appearances against the Yankees and held opponents to a .244 average overall, surrendering six homers and issuing 22 walks.
Varland has been effective as an opener, tossing two scoreless innings with three strikeouts in his lone start of the regular season. Still, with the Yankees seeing him multiple times this week, he’ll need to change his sequencing to keep hitters off balance.
The Blue Jays’ bullpen depth has been a strength all season, and Schneider will again look for short stints from several arms. If the defense holds and the relievers keep traffic off the bases, Toronto has the offense to close out the series.
Yankees Bats Keep Hope Alive
The New York Yankees were on the verge of elimination before a furious comeback in Game 3 flipped the script. Down 6-1 early, the Yankees erupted for eight unanswered runs, keeping their season alive and energizing a home crowd that had grown restless. Their lineup produced 12 hits, while five different relievers combined for 6.2 scoreless innings to finish the night.
The Yankees’ offensive turnaround has come at the perfect time. Across six postseason games, they are batting .261 with five home runs and 26 runs scored, though the strikeouts remain an issue with 56 Ks against only 14 walks.
Superstar Aaron Judge finally broke through with a monster performance, going 3-for-5 with a home run and four RBIs in Tuesday’s win. Judge has delivered five multi-hit games in six postseason appearances this year after recording only nine across his previous 58 playoff games. Giancarlo Stanton added two more RBIs in Game 3 and has driven in multiple runs in back-to-back contests, even while batting .167 overall this postseason.
While the lineup looks rejuvenated, pitching remains a significant concern for New York. The Yankees rank last among American League playoff teams with a 6.06 staff ERA and a 1.42 WHIP. Opponents have hit .277 against them, and they’ve issued 17 walks while striking out 48 batters.
The bullpen, in particular, has struggled under heavy use, allowing 17 earned runs and 26 hits across 23.2 innings. Manager Aaron Boone has already used five relievers at least three times in the postseason, leaving limited fresh options for Wednesday’s game.
That said, the Yankees will send Cam Schlittler to the mound, and he’s shown flashes of brilliance in key moments. The rookie right-hander struck out a career-high 12 batters in his Wild Card outing against Boston and has recorded at least eight strikeouts in five of his last nine starts. In the regular season, hitters batted .217 against him with eight home runs allowed and 31 walks.
Schlittler’s postseason experience is limited, but his raw stuff plays — a heavy fastball with late life and a biting slider that’s been his best strikeout pitch. His challenge will be facing a Blue Jays lineup that knows him well. Toronto tagged him for an 8.10 ERA in two regular-season starts, and their right-handed-heavy lineup matches up well with his arsenal.
The Yankees’ pitching staff is worn, but if Schlittler can give them five steady innings, Boone will have enough arms left to manage the middle and late frames.
Betting Prediction
Momentum has shifted slightly toward the Yankees after Tuesday’s comeback, but the value remains with Toronto. The Blue Jays’ offense has been consistent throughout the series, and even with a bullpen game planned, their depth and lineup balance give them the upper hand in a high-scoring environment.
New York benefited from defensive lapses and timely errors in Game 3, but if Toronto cleans up its fielding, its bats are potent enough to overcome New York’s pitching issues. Schlittler dominated Boston in the Wild Card, yet the Blue Jays’ lineup is far more dangerous and familiar with his tendencies.
At +148, the Blue Jays offer strong betting value on the MLB Lines to close out the series and move on to the ALCS.
The numbers and the trends both point toward another offensive showdown. The series has averaged 15.3 total runs per game, and both lineups have demonstrated the ability to punish mistakes early. Yankee Stadium’s dimensions amplify fly-ball contact, and with both teams deploying arms that have already seen significant action, more runs should follow.
Toronto’s bullpen has been overworked, while New York’s relievers have been hittable all postseason. Varland’s quick turnaround and Schlittler’s limited experience against elite hitters make the over the smart MLB Betting play.
Pick: New York Yankees Moneyline (-175), Over 8.5 (-109)
Philadelphia Phillies vs. Los Angeles Dodgers Prediction: Game 3 NLDS MLB Betting Preview
The reigning World Series champion Los Angeles Dodgers have flipped the National League Division Series upside down with back-to-back road wins over the second-seeded Philadelphia Phillies. Now up 2-0, the Dodgers head home with the opportunity to finish the sweep and punch their ticket to the NLCS. In our Phillies vs. Dodgers prediction, we break down both teams’ form, pitching matchup, and key MLB Betting angles before Game 3, scheduled for 9:08 p.m. ET from Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles.
The latest MLB Odds from BUSR list the Dodgers as significant favorites on the moneyline and the total sitting around 7.5 runs, signaling expectations of a tightly contested, pitching-heavy game. With Los Angeles riding a nine-game winning streak and Philadelphia desperate to keep its season alive, this matchup brings high stakes to one of baseball’s most iconic venues.
Phillies’ Backs Against the Wall
The Philadelphia Phillies entered the MLB Playoffs with championship aspirations after a dominant 96-66 regular season, but two narrow losses to the Dodgers (5-3 and 4-3) have them on the brink of elimination. Manager Rob Thomson’s team faces a daunting climb, now listed at +836 to win the series and +2800 to win the World Series, after failing to capitalize on home-field advantage.
Monday’s 4-3 loss encapsulated the Phillies’ frustrations. They fell behind early, didn’t score until the eighth inning, and despite a late two-run double by Nick Castellanos, couldn’t complete the comeback. Starter Jesus Luzardo was solid, allowing two earned runs over six innings, but the offense failed to produce timely hits when it mattered most.
The Phillies will hand the ball to Aaron Nola, hoping he can deliver a vintage performance to extend the series. Nola, 32, endured one of the worst seasons of his career, going 5-10 with a 6.01 ERA and a 1.35 WHIP across 17 starts.
Despite those struggles, he ended the regular season on a positive note, tossing 8.0 innings of one-run ball against Minnesota in his final outing on September 26, earning a 3-1 win. The Phillies were 7-10 in his starts this season, and he hasn’t pitched in more than two weeks, giving him ample rest for this elimination game.
Historically, Nola has pitched well against the Dodgers. Their current lineup has hit .220/.267/.378 against him over 246 at-bats, an encouraging trend for Philadelphia bettors looking for a value angle on the MLB Lines. The key for Nola will be command. When his fastball and curveball combination is sharp, he can still dominate.
Philadelphia’s offense has yet to find consistency in this series. Sluggers like Bryce Harper and Kyle Schwarber have been kept in check, and the team has scored only six runs across two games. To have a chance in Game 3, they’ll need early production and discipline at the plate to wear down Los Angeles starter Yoshinobu Yamamoto.
Defensively, the Phillies have avoided major miscues but haven’t backed their pitching staff with enough offense or bullpen reliability. Their relievers have struggled with location, which has led to crucial late-inning runs. Still, with elimination looming, Thomson is expected to manage aggressively, with an “all hands on deck” approach likely in play.
Dodgers Win Ninth Straight Game
The Dodgers look every bit like the defending champions. After sweeping the Reds in the Wild Card round and taking the first two games in Philadelphia, Los Angeles enters Game 3 riding a nine-game winning streak and carrying all the momentum in the MLB Playoffs.
Their 4-3 victory on Monday showcased both their depth and ability to win under pressure. Starter Blake Snell delivered a brilliant 6.0-inning, one-hit performance, striking out nine and silencing a potent Phillies lineup. The Dodgers’ offense did all its damage in the seventh inning, with Kiké Hernández, Will Smith, and Shohei Ohtani each driving in runs during a four-run rally. In the ninth, rising star Roki Sasaki locked down his second postseason save with another electric outing.
The Dodgers’ postseason dominance has tightened their odds of winning the title. Entering October at +500 to win the World Series, Los Angeles now sits around +175 and is a commanding -1400 favorite to advance to the NLCS.
On the mound for Game 3 is Yoshinobu Yamamoto, one of the best pitchers in baseball this season. In 30 regular-season starts, Yamamoto went 12-8 with a 2.49 ERA (fourth in MLB) and a 0.99 WHIP (sixth). He struck out 201 batters in 173.2 innings, ranking 11th in the league. The 25-year-old right-hander has seamlessly adapted to the big stage, using pinpoint control and devastating off-speed pitches to neutralize hitters.
Yamamoto’s first postseason start was dominant — 6.2 innings, two unearned runs, four hits, two walks, and nine strikeouts in an 8-4 win over the Cincinnati Reds. His composure, stamina, and strike-throwing ability have been crucial to the Dodgers’ success, and he enters Game 3 looking to continue that trend.
Los Angeles’ offense remains balanced and dangerous. Will Smith has rediscovered his rhythm, while Shohei Ohtani continues to deliver in clutch situations. Their lineup depth is unmatched, and they’ve averaged 6.0 runs per game during this nine-game run.
The bullpen remains the Dodgers’ lone vulnerability. Despite Sasaki’s emergence, the rest of the relief unit has been inconsistent. In postseason play, Los Angeles ranks eighth out of 12 teams with a 6.97 bullpen ERA. Manager Dave Roberts has often been cautious in deploying Sasaki, saving him for emergencies, which has left middle relievers exposed to high-leverage innings.
Still, the Dodgers have managed to outscore opponents through superior lineup production and timely pitching from their starters. A win in Game 3 would mark their 10th straight victory and another step toward defending their title.
Betting Prediction
The Dodgers have complete control of this series, but from a single-game MLB Betting standpoint, the Phillies offer solid value on the run line. With elimination on the line, Philadelphia is expected to treat this like a must-win Game 7, and that urgency often translates to competitive baseball.
Aaron Nola, despite his erratic season, has historically matched up well against the Dodgers’ roster. His ability to pitch to weak contact and work deep into games could keep things close, especially if the Phillies can strike early against Yamamoto.
Los Angeles’ bullpen still raises concerns, and while Sasaki provides stability late, the middle innings remain vulnerable. If the Phillies can force Roberts to dig into his bullpen early, the +1.5 line offers value for bettors expecting a one-run finish.
Both teams feature elite offensive talent, and their series results have already reflected that; the first two games produced a combined 15 runs. The Dodgers’ lineup is averaging six runs per game during their winning streak, while the Phillies rank eighth in MLB in scoring this year.
Neither bullpen inspires confidence. Los Angeles holds a 6.97 relief ERA, while Philadelphia sits right behind them at 7.11. With those metrics, the over on the MLB Lines is appealing, especially given warm weather conditions at Dodger Stadium that tend to boost run production.
Nola may keep things competitive early, but his season-long 6.01 ERA suggests the Dodgers’ lineup will eventually break through. Expect the Phillies to contribute offensively as well, making the over 7.5 the best MLB Betting value on the total.
Pick: Philadelphia Phillies Moneyline +153, Over 7.5
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