The NLCS turns to Truist Park for Game 6 and possibly Game 7. The Dodgers were able to get this series back to Atlanta after a 11-2 win in Game 5.
With their backs against the wall in a do-or-die spot, the Dodgers came up big against Max Fried. Fried was feeling good before the start.
He was bombed for 8 hits and 5 earned runs across 4.2 innings on the mound. Tough one for Fried who lost his confidence, and prevented the Braves from wrapping up this thing and going to the World Series.
Game 6. pic.twitter.com/BLQkubCMK9
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) October 23, 2021
Having said that, it wasn’t only Fried that didn’t come through in Game 5. The offense sputtered after Joe Kelly left the game.
They started early with 2 runs in the top of the 1st inning, but Kelly left the game and the Dodgers’ bullpen went into lockdown mode.
After the 1st inning, the Braves were able to put up just 3 hits and no runs. Credit the Dodgers’ bullpen for doing what they’ve done best this year. They need two more efforts like that from the Dodgers’ pitching staff.
The Dodgers are expected to give Walker Buehler the starting nod on short rest. He’s been the most reliable pitcher for the Dodgers in their rotation, and he will be asked to dig deep.
This is the postseason in the NLCS, so there isn’t any time for rest if a pitcher is ready to go. Madison Bumgarner was a workhorse for the Giants during their World Series run, and Buehler is being asked to go on short rest as well.
The Braves are scheduled to go with Ian Anderson as their starting hurler in this one. Anderson is coming off an appearance against the Dodgers at Dodger Stadium on October 17. Head below for our free Dodgers vs. Braves pick on October 23, 2021.
Los Angeles Dodgers vs. Atlanta Braves Live Odds and Betting History:
The following odds are courtesy of BetOnline:
Teams | Spread | Moneyline | Total |
---|---|---|---|
LA Dodgers | -1.5 (+117) | -144 | Over 8.5 (-107) |
Atlanta Braves | -1.5 (-137) | +133 | Under 8.5 (-113) |
Team Data | LA Dodgers | Atlanta Braves |
---|---|---|
Overall Record | 112-61 | 94-76 |
Away/Home Record | 50-36 | 46-38 |
Batting Average | .241 | .240 |
Batting Average Away/Home | .239 | .246 |
Runs Per 9 | 5.19 | 5.02 |
Team ERA | 3.03 | 3.88 |
Team ERA Away/Home | 3.07 | 3.98 |
Dodgers vs. Braves Prediction:
Walker Buehler was a rock in the rotation for the Dodgers this season. He was pitching in Cy Young during the regular season with an ERA of 2.47 and a 0.97 WHIP.
Buehler has been reliable in the postseason during his career with an ERA of 2.62 and a 1.08 WHIP. In his last five attempts overall, Buehler hasn’t allowed more than 3 earned runs.
He’s been effective against the Braves in his career as well. The Braves are hitting just .136 with a .151 OBP in 54 at-bats versus Buehler. If Buehler believes that he’s a Cy Young pitcher, then here’s a chance to prove it in Game 6.
The Dodgers’ bullpen has been tops in the major leagues with an ERA of 2.32 and a 0.83 WHIP. The Astros are the next closest team with a 3.42 ERA, and the Braves follow with a 3.79 ERA and a 1.32 WHIP from their bullpen.
LA Dodgers vs. Atlanta Braves Betting Trends:
Red Sox
- Record (Last 10): 5-5
- 13-5 overall in their previous 18 games
- 1-4 overall in their previous five games at Truist Park
- UNDER is 4-2 in their previous six games on the road
- UNDER is 4-1 in their previous five games in the ALCS
- UNDER is 5-1 in their previous six games after a win
- UNDER is 13-6 in their previous 19 games versus a right-handed starter
Braves
- Record (Last 10): 6-4
- 14-4 overall in their previous 18 games
- 6-0 overall in their previous six games at Truist Park
- 4-1 overall in their previous five games versus the Dodgers
- UNDER is 4-1 in their previous five games after a day off
Ian Anderson has been strong recently with 2 or less earned runs in his last four appearances. He gave up 2 earned runs at Dodger Stadium on October 17. Anderson was looking great against the Dodgers before that start.
The Dodgers were hitting .062 with a .188 against Anderson through 14 at-bats before the NLCS. Anderson has held up well at Truist Park with an ERA of 3.52 and a 1.13 WHIP across 62 innings of work. I’m thinking that one finds a way to stay UNDER the total in Game 6 of the NLCS.
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