The Boston Red Sox and Los Angeles Dodgers meet in Dodger Stadium on on Friday 10/26/18 for Game 3 of the 2018 World Series.
The Red Sox are two wins away from their fourth World Series triumph since 2004. The Dodgers meanwhile are looking to get back in the series and prevent falling into an 0-3 holed. They hope the change of venue is going to change their fortunes too.
No question, the Boston Red Sox are on a roll right now. But not only have they won six straight playoff games, they have won their last five playoff games on the road. In fact, the Red Sox clinched the American League Division Series in New York and then won the American League title series in Houston. With no problems winning on the road, the Red Sox must feel confident about themselves heading to Game 3.
Rick Porcello will start for the Red Sox in Game 3, marking his first ever start in the World Series. Porcello has appeared four times this postseason, two of which were starts. His 2018 playoff record is 1-0 with an ERA of 4.22. Porcello has two career starts against the Dodgers but none since 2011.
Boston Red Sox vs Los Angeles Dodgers 10/26/18
Moneyline Odds: Red Sox +143, Dodgers -153
Odds from Betonline.ag as of 10/25/18
After dropping the first two games of the World Series, the Dodgers are in a must win situation. Though they have yet to yield home field advantage in the series, the Dodgers know that the last 10 teams to win Games 1&2 of the World Series have gone all the way to win it all. And given how the Red Sox have dominated this postseason, it’s going to be an uphill climb for Los Angeles.
Buehler gave up a total of nine runs in his first two playoff outings, both of which the Dodgers’ lost. But the rookie redeemed himself in Game 7 of the National League Championship Series, allowing the Brewers just a solo home run with seven strikeouts in 4.2 innings pitched.
The Red Sox are 5-0 SU in their last 5 playoff games on the road. They are 4-1 SU in Porcello’s last five road starts and 7-1 SU in Porcello’s last 8 starts overall. The Dodgers are 0-5 in their last 5 games after an off-day. They are 7-3 SU in Buehler’s last 10 home starts but Buehler is 0-1 in his postseason career.
Porcello may not be the pitcher you want to trust in big games not especially since he’s allowed current Dodgers players to hit .274 against him with five home runs in 117 at bats. The Dodgers have never faced Buehler before and the only Red Sox player who’s had an at bat against him is Ian Kinsler. Buehler has great stuff and a live arm so he could be a handful for a lineup who’s never faced him before. Then there is also the DH issue because the Red Sox will be forced to play JD Martinez in the outfield. Then of course, the Dodgers are playing at home where they were 45-37 during the regular season.
But the Red Sox have found ways to win, regardless of venue. With an explosive offense like theirs, they have faced little resistance in the first two games of the World Series. Sure, this could be a tougher game than the previous two because of the change in venue but unless I see it actually happen, I’m not betting against the Red Sox. Not especially with the plus money they have for Game 3. The Red Sox are 13-2 in their last 15 World Series games.
We’re picking the Boston Red Sox to win Game 3.
The Red Sox are 5-0 ATS in their last 5 games and also 5-0 ATS in their last five games away from home. The Dodgers are 2-7 ATS in their last 9 games but are 6-2 ATS in their last 8 games at home.
Boston Red Sox vs Los Angeles Dodgers 10/26/18
Spread Odds: Red Sox +1.5 (-155), Dodgers -1.5 (+135)
Odds from Betonline.ag as of 10/25/18
My take on this is simple. Anytime you have a plus run (or more) for an explosive offensive team like the Red Sox, take it.Some are doubting Porcello here but I think Buehler hasn’t been better in postseason play and doesn’t have the experience that Porcello has. With no clear advantage in pitching, it’s going to be offense that wins this game.I think that Boston wins this outright but would be more than happy to take the plus 1.5 runs here.
Prediction: Red Sox +1.5
The total has gone over in 12 out of the last 16 games played by Boston and also over in 7 out of their last 10 games played on the road. For the Dodgers, the under is 4-1 in their last five home games but the total has gone over in 4 out of their last 6 games with the Red Sox.
Boston Red Sox vs Los Angeles Dodgers 10/26/18
Over/Under Odds: Over 7.5 +100, Under 7.5 -120
Odds from Betonline.ag as of 10/25/18
In the two games played so far in this World Series the over prevailed in Game 1 while the under won in Game 2. If you take a look at averages, Boston is averaging 6 runs per game in this World Series while Buehler has a 5.04 ERA in the postseason. Buehler is making his first career appearance against the Red Sox in what is a do or die game. I’m not belittling Buehler but he’s in a tough spot here. Expect the Red Sox batters to take advantage.
Prediction: Over 7.5
The Miami Heat look to take a 2-0 series lead against the Milwaukee Bucks in…
The New York Mets head to Yankee Stadium to open a three-game series against the…
The Minnesota Twins play Game 2 of a three-game set against the New York Yankees…
The OKC Thunder and New Orleans Pelicans meet at the Smoothie King Center on Wednesday…
The No.8 Atlanta Hawks visit the No. 7 Miami Heat in the first play-in tournament…
The OKC Thunder visit the Utah Jazz at the Vivint Smart Home Arena in Salt…