After getting just two combined innings from their starting pitchers in Game 1 and 2 of the NLDS, the Los Angeles Dodgers find themselves in a surprising 2-0 hole against the Arizona Diamondbacks.
The Dodgers now travel to Arizona for Game 3, where veteran Lance Lynn will take on rookie right-hander Brandon Pfaddt.
Let’s take a closer look at this matchup as I offer my prediction and best bets for Game 3 of the NLDS between the Diamondbacks and Dodgers.
Dodgers vs Diamondbacks Game 3 Prediction
Dodgers 6, Diamondbacks 5
The Diamondbacks red-hot lineup could keep the turnstiles going against Lynn in Game 3. The 36-year-old surrendered an MLB-worst 44 home runs this season over 183.2 innings with a 5.73 ERA.
Lynn posted a 4.36 ERA and 6.16 FIP after being traded to the Dodgers at the trade deadline. In addition, the right-hander earned a 6.07 ERA on the road with a .529 slugging percentage against and a 2.54 HR/9.
The good news for the Dodgers is that they hammered Pfaddt for 10 runs over 8.2 innings against the rookie this season and seem likely to score early and often on Wednesday. Pfaddt only recorded eight outs during Game 1 of the Wild Card versus Milwaukee and receives a much tougher assignment in the NLDS.
Freddie Freeman is 4-for-6 with a home run and two doubles against Pfaddt and is a good bet to hit the Over in total bases in Game 3.
Considering the pitching matchup, combined with the taxed Dodgers bullpen, I expect to see plenty of runs. However, I believe Los Angeles will get the job done in the end.
So I will back the Dodgers to take Game 3 against Arizona, but I am even more confident in the Over.
Dodgers vs Diamondbacks Game 3 Best Bet
Dodgers vs Diamondbacks: Over 9.5 (-115)
BetMGM Sportsbook • WAGER: 1 Unit
As mentioned in my Game 3 prediction, I am expecting fireworks out of the gate with Pfaddt and Lynn on the mound.
In addition, after getting just two innings out of Clayton Kershaw and Bobby Miller, the Dodgers bullpen is vulnerable in Game 3.
This could be a slugfest. Look for the Over in our MLB Play of the Day.
Dodgers vs Diamondbacks Game 3 Props
Freddie Freeman Over 0.5 Home Run (+400)
DraftKings Sportsbook • WAGER: 0.5 Units
It may be a limited track record (4-for-6 with three XBH), but who am I to question Freeman’s success against a rookie?
At +400, I am happy to take a shot on the All-Star first baseman stepping up to help dig his team out of the hole they are in.
You could also consider Freeman’s total base prop (Over 1.5 -120).
MLB Wild Card Props
