Braves at Dodgers Game 3 Betting Preview: Can the Dodgers Right the Ship at Home?
Last season the Atlanta Braves led the Dodgers 2-0 in the NLCS. After splitting Games 3 and 4, the Dodgers went on to complete the comeback and erase a 3-1 deficit in the series. Will 2021 bring more of the same, or can Atlanta hold on this time around?
Let’s take a look at the game preview and MLB betting odds for Game 3 of the NLCS.
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Betting Odds & Betting Lines
The Dodgers money line is at -190, according to Bovada. Meanwhile, the Braves are +156. Betonline has the LA at -175 and the Braves at +161.
Dodgers Preview: Big Game Buehler
In our Game 2 preview, we stated that the only thing standing in the way of the Dodgers was themselves. When they limit their own mistakes, the Dodgers are nearly an unbeatable team. But it is the miscues that have been their downfall so far in this series.
And sure enough, a misplay by Corey Seager led to a second consecutive walk-off victory for the Braves.
That is three straight contests with a late-game mistake by the Dodgers. In Game 5 of the NLDS against the Giants, a Justin Turner error allowed the tying run to reach base for San Francisco. Game 1 of the NLCS saw a Chris Taylor baserunning blunder cost LA the game, and Game 2 was defined by the Seager misplay.
So how can they get back on the right path?
How about a pitcher with a career 2.53 postseason ERA? The fate of the Dodgers lies in the hands of Walker Buehler.
Dave Roberts stated that he expects Buehler to pitch deep into this game. This will be especially important since Julio Urias was already used earlier in the series, so his status for Game 4 is currently in question. If Buehler is able to spin a gem and save the bullpen, that would allow LA to use Game 4 as a bullpen game and save Urias for Game 5.
Walker Buehler is the man for the job, and as long as the Dodgers offense provides him with some run support, the Dodgers should be able to cut the series deficit in half.
Braves Preview: Make Buehler Work
Walker Buehler has said in the past that he prefers to walk batters in the postseason as compared to giving up hits because he believes hits lead to more momentum for the opposing team. So what does this mean for Atlanta? Be Patient.
The Braves need to play for more than just this game. Even if Buehler dominates them for 4 or 5 innings, forcing Dave Roberts to turn to his already overworked bullpen early would be a minor victory for Atlanta.
Yes, the Braves would obviously love to win, but getting him out of this game as quickly as possible would drastically enhance their chances of winning the series. If Buehler is able to lead the Dodgers to a Game 3 triumph while working deep into the game, thereby saving the bullpen, that would be the worst-case scenario for the Braves.
On the mound for Atlanta is the veteran right-hander, Charlie Morton. Morton has pitched in a number of high leverage games throughout his career, and the Braves are confident in his ability to keep them in this contest.
Who Steps Up in Game 3?
Walker Buehler is the obvious pick for the Dodgers, but we have already said enough about him. From an offensive perspective, Trea Turner is the guy I’ll be keeping my eye on.
Following a 2-hit performance in Game 1, Turner laid a goose egg in Game 2 with an 0-5 effort at the plate. But he just missed a late-game home run by a matter of feet and is no stranger to postseason success.
Turner typically bats third in this lineup, and his combination of power and speed makes him both a run producer and an on-base catalyst for the Dodgers. Look for Turner to come through when it matters on Tuesday night and give this lineup a much-needed spark.
For the Braves, there is not enough to be said about the impact of midseason acquisition Eddie Rosario. Rosario was acquired in a deal with the Cleveland Indians in July, and not much was said about it. However, he has been an important factor in the playoffs and is coming off a 4-5 showing at the plate in Game 2 while also delivering the game-winning base hit.
Rosario will look to keep the good times rolling in Los Angeles.
Prediction: Who Wins Game 3?
The Braves look excellent right now, and it is hard to bet against them. But the Dodgers are back home and have the postseason extraordinaire Buehler toeing the rubber, so my MLB betting pick for Game 3 is for the Dodgers to come out on top.
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