Matt Fargo

9* MLB NLCS GM1 DOMINATOR 82% ANGLE

The Dodgers ride some big momentum into the NLCS after a sweep of the Cardinals and they will be out for some payback following a loss to the Phillies in last season’s playoffs. Los Angeles lost the first two games in Philadelphia last season and could not get out of that hole so it will be ready to reverse that this October. The big advantage obviously is starting the playoffs at home where they are 52-31 on the season. Game One starter Clayton Kershaw has been on a sol id role as he has allowed two runs or fewer in seven straight starts even though all of those have not been quality outings. He started his first ever playoff game in the NLDS against the Cardinals and pitched a great game, allowing just two runs in 6.2 innings. He has a 2.79 ERA and 1.24 WHIP on the season and that ERA drops to 1.89 in 17 starts at home. He will be opposed by Cole Hamels who is having some serious struggles. He has a 7.06 ERA and 1.48 WHIP over his last four starts and that does include a rough outing against the Rockies in the NLDS. He mowed down the Dodgers twice last season in the NLCS and pitched two quality performances against them this season making him a perfect 6-6 against Los Angeles. The problem is that he has not pitched against the Dodgers since June and he has been very inconsistent since then. Los Angeles is hitting .278 at home against left-handed pitching. The Dodgers fall into a very solid late season situation as well. Play against National League teams that are averaging 5.0 or more rpg going up against a team with a bullpen whose ERA is 3.75 or better in October games. This situation is 14-3 (82.4 percent) over the last five seasons. 9* Los Angeles Dodgers