NLCS Best Bets for Game 6: Dodgers vs. Braves
We have one half of the World Series set now that the Astros have taken out the Red Sox. Tonight, the Dodgers take on the Braves in Game 6 and the Dodgers are now starting Walker Buehler after Scherzer had to be scratched.
Walker Buehler being the pitcher tonight is fine, he was going to pitch in Game 7 if they made it. He only went 3.2 innings in his first start against the Braves in this series. The problem was that he allowed four runs (only two earned) in that span. He wasn't missing many bats either, he allowed six hits and three walks, so baserunners were there for the Braves. He's too good of a pitcher for that to happen again but the Braves are a good team. They've been one of the best hitting teams since the second half of the season. Maybe Buehler's last start was an anomaly because the Braves are batting just .136 against him outside of that start.
For the Braves, they send Ian Anderson to try and send them to the World Series. He went three innings against the Dodgers and also allowed two earned runs against them. If Roberts didn’t inexplicably allow Julio Urias into the game, the Dodgers are likely sitting up 3-2 instead of facing elimination. Before this series, Anderson has been great in limited appearances against Dodgers hitters. They are just 1-for-14 prior to Game 2. So, a small sample size, but still dominant. I’d expect the Dodgers to score three runs off of Anderson if he’s left in long enough. This is likely another three-inning outing for him unless he is really dealing. I think we are getting a Game 7, but I'm not taking a side here. I’ll take the under 8.5 runs as the refreshed pitching should stop the suddenly hotter bats.