The MLB Divisional Playoff rounds are upon us and October 9 features game two of the NL games. The Braves host the Phillies and the Dodgers host the Diamondbacks with the ticket to the NLCS on the line.
Philadelphia Phillies versus Atlanta Braves
The Phillies meet the Braves in a rematch of last season’s NLDS. Philadelphia is the defending NL Champions and finished 90-72 during the regular season and took down the Marlins, two games to none in the wild-card round. Atlanta had the best record in baseball with 104 regular season wins and outscored their opponents by 231 runs in the process. The Phillies come in “burning hot” on the Team Strength Oscillator after outscoring the Marlins 11-2 in the wild-card round. Atlanta is “average” after losing two of their last three. The Braves have a +28 to +24 edge on the Power Ranks Indicator. The Braves won the season series between the teams but the Phillies won two of the last three, all in Atlanta. Both teams performed consistently throughout the season with regard to their favorite/underdog status. I think the teams will split the first two games, so this pick depends on who wins game one. The series could go the distance.
Arizona Diamondbacks versus Los Angeles Dodgers
The Diamondbacks head to Los Angeles after 84 wins during the regular season and two road wins in their wild-card matchup against the Brewers. The Dodgers enter after a 100-win season and a scoring differential of +207. Both teams enter play “average up” on the Team Strength Oscillator. The Diamondbacks were impressive in winning two in Milwaukee in the wild-card round, while the Dodgers are 4-2 over their last six games. The Dodgers have a +23 to +15 edge on the Power Ranks Indicator. The teams have been trending in games on opposite sides of the over/under line. Los Angeles won the season series between the teams. The score prediction is 6-2 in favor of Arizona, but with only 50 percent confidence. I like the Dodgers in this one, but pass on the over/under bet.
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