Philadelphia Phillies at LA Dodgers Game 5 Predictions
Written October 15, 2008 by Jack Jones
The Philadelphia Phillies can put an end to the National League Championship Series tonight when they send their ace Cole Hamels to the mound to face off against the LA Dodgers. The baseball odds are out on this Game 5 matchup, and show Philadelphia as the -115 favorite to win.
Philadelphia has looked impressive in generating their 3-1 series lead, and will have two more chances back at home to head to their first World Series since 1993 even if Hamels can’t get it done tonight. Chances are it won’t be Hamels costing the team this game as he has given up just two runs in 15 innings while striking out 17.
Last night LA’s Achilles heel was the bullpen. After being so effective during the regular season the relievers cost the Dodgers a chance to even up the series. Starter Derek Lowe left in the sixth with a 3-2 lead, but Clayton Kershaw quickly allowed the tying run to score. Then after the Dodgers bounced back in the bottom frame to go up two, the eighth inning saw Shane Victorino tie the game with a two-run home run off of Cory Wade. Jonathan Broxton then came in to give up a two-run homer to Matt Stairs to give Philly the 7-5 win.
It was an unusual let down for the Dodger bullpen, who had gone 11 1/3 innings this series without giving up a run heading into Tuesday night. During the playoffs opposing hitters had been batting a measly .186. During the season the team’s bullpen had a 3.33 ERA, second in the NL behind the Phillies at 3.19.
The Dodgers offense is getting all that it can from their star Manny Ramirez. He has gotten on base 12 out of his 18 times at the plate and has at least one RBI in each game. Last night he walked three times, singled and then doubled to bring his total to 11-for-22 in this season’s playoffs.
Ramirez’s nine RBIs during the postseason trails only Victorino, who set a Phillies playoff record with 11 as he continues to drive the offense. He was instrumental in the team’s 8-5 win in game 2 when he drove in four runs and made a game-saving catch in the seventh. Back in the NLDS he hit a grand slam off of CC Sabathia to seal that win against Milwaukee.
Not only has Hamels been the Phillies’ ace all year, but he’s done a good job in shutting down the Dodgers, giving up six runs in 21 innings. If you think he continues to do so then bet Philly -115 at Bookmaker and get a 25% cash bonus!
The Dodgers will send out Chad Billingsley who was just awful in Game 2. He gave up eight runs, eight hits and three walks in only 2 1/3 innings of work. That was the worst performance by Billingsly all year and another showing like that will end the Dodgers season. If you think he gets things squared away tonight then bet the Dodgers at +111 at Sportsbook.com.
If you want the best chance of winning this game then sign up for the baseball picks available from our handicappers. They know the ins and out of baseball betting and will help you profit on tonight’s game.
If you liked this article, you may also be interested in:
- LA Dodgers at Philadelphia Phillies Odds
- Dodgers & Phillies NLCS Predictions
- Philadelphia Philles at Los Angeles Dodgers Preview & Predictions
- Philadelphia Phillies at Cincinnati Reds Preview & Pick
- 2009 Philadelphia Phillies Predictions
- Betting on Baseball
- Baseball Betting Lines
- World Series Odds
- Understanding MLB Run Lines
- Baseball Money Lines Explained
- Baseball Betting Forum
- MLB Gambling
- Baseball Sportsbooks
- How to Bet Baseball
- Dime Line Sportsbooks
- World Series Betting
No comments yet, but your thoughts are welcome!