[yisman]

Dodgers

The oddsmaker couldn't have set a high enough price on this mismatch - and he didn't.

Dodgers starter Clayton Kershaw is a rising star. You could argue Kershaw has been the best pitcher in the majors so far based on his 1.50 ERA and 19 strikeouts in 12 innings, while allowing just three hits and five walks.

The Dodgers have won eight in a row. They have a bunch of hot hitters. Their bullpen is fresh.

Now compare this with the Astros. Houston is 3-8 in its last 11. The Astros have scored the second-fewest runs in the National League, have bullpen issues with setup man Doug Brocail out and closer Jose Valverde having pitched last night. A number of their key hitters are slumping and Cecil Cooper is a terrible manager.

But what's worse for the Astros is their starting pitcher: Russ Ortiz. Since 2005, he's 7-22 with a 6.63 ERA.

Ortiz missed last season because of an arm injury. He made his first start in two years against the Pirates on Thursday and gave up three runs on five hits in 4 2/3 innings. Ortiz always has had control problems. The Dodgers lead the league in walks by far. Ortiz has a 5.11 career ERA versus the Dodgers.