Simps1207
Hey Ted if you have some time would you please give me your thoughts on the Dodgers game. I would appreciate it, thanks and gl.
Sure! This is actually a rather interesting situation so let's start with the pitchers.
Kershaw (10-7, 3.19 ERA) is facing Philadelphia (63-50) for the first time since making one start and one relief appearance in last year's NL championship series, allowing a combined seven runs in 6 2/3 innings. Including those two outings and two in the 2008 NLCS, he's 0-4 with a 7.83 ERA in his last seven games versus the Phillies, lasting no longer than 5 1/3 innings in four starts.
Kershaw is trying to avoid losing three straight starts for the first time in his three-year career. He yielded six runs -- on two three-run homers by
Adam Dunn -- over six innings in a 6-3 loss to Washington last Friday.
Philadelphia is looking to win a sixth straight home game started by
Joe Blanton (4-6, 5.65), who did not get a decision Friday after allowing two runs over seven innings in a 7-5 victory over the
New York Mets. He's 3-0 with a 4.22 ERA in his last five outings at Citizens Bank Park and hasn't lost there since May 8.
The right-hander has pitched well in four career starts against Los Angeles (59-55), going 1-0 with a 2.88 ERA. That doesn't include two postseason outings, including Game 4 of last year's NLCS in which he yielded four runs over six innings and did not get a decision in a 5-4 victory.
Tonight's home plate umpire as reported by SportsOptions is Todd Tichener who has called 23 games with a home team winning record of 18-5 and an O/U record of 14-7-2.
Sounds like the play should be on Philadelphia right? Well, here's the kicker. Phildelphia's line-up, while winning is depleted with the loss of Ryan Howard and Chase Utley. Basically, the line-up tonight as reported by SportsOptions is as follows:
Rollins
Ibanez
Polanco
Sweeney
Werth
Francisco
Ruiz
Valdez
Blanton
In my opinion, this line-up is not suited to face a left hander like Kershaw even though he struggled his last outing.
As for the Dodgers, their line-up is loaded as reported by SportsOptions below:
Posednick
Theriot
Eithier
Loney
Belliard
Kemp
Carrol
Ausmus
Kershaw
In my opinion, this line-up with it's left handed power is suited to face Blanton even though he pitches better at home and has a decent lifetime record against the Dodgers.
The Phillies were able to squeak by the Dodgers yesterday following being mauled 15-9 the night before. Simply believe the pitcher versus hitter match-up favors the Dodgers tonight. We shall see. Best of luck whatever you decide to do! :toast:
hno:
.let's hope the Dodgers can come through
I'll never call you stupid Jordy. You just weren't comfortable with Over 10. Nothing wrong with that. Trust your own instincts. They will serve you well. Best of luck tonight with the Dodgers! :toast:
