The Los Angeles Dodgers were one game away from winning the 2017 World Series, but fell to the Houston Astros in Game 7. This year, LA is making a run at returning to the Fall Classic, but first they have to win the pennant.
The Dodgers are favored to win the National League Championship Series, but there are a couple of other prop bets that gamblers can take advantage of on the betting sheet.
Same with the Boston Red Sox in the American League Championship Series. The team with the best record during the regular season, has some value in its match up with Houston.
Below are five bets that we like for both series.
1. Dodgers -150 at Milwaukee +140 Game 1 NLCS
The odds for the Dodgers are steep, but there’s a good reason for that. Starter Clayton Kershaw has been dominate at Miller Park. The left-handed ace is 4-1 and a 1.40 mark ERA in seven career starts at the Brewers field.
The only one to really solve Kershaw is Christian Yelich. This year he was 4-for-6 with a pair of home runs against Kershaw, and is 9-for-17 (.529) against him for his career.
But Kershaw seems to have another gear in the playoffs, and will limit any potential damage Yelich does. The team is 9-0 straight up in Kershaw’s last nine appearances.
Take the Dodgers at -150.
2. Most Total Bases Game 1: Yelich +110 or Machado -130
Christian Yelich loves facing Clayton Kershaw and has feasted on the left-handed as mentioned above. He has two home runs this season against him, and could get another on Friday.
Conversely, Manny Machado struggled a bit against the Braves in the National League Division Series. He was 3-17 against a pitching staff that is not as strong as Milwaukee’s. Two of his hits were home runs, though.
Still with Machado working out of a slump, and Yelich having the more attractive odds, he is the better choice.
Take Yelich at +110.
3. Dodgers +260 to Win World Series
The Dodgers were one game from winning last year, and have improved both their pitching staff and their lineup. The American League is picked to win the championship, with the defending champion Houston Astros at +150, and the Boston Red Sox at +250.
Los Angeles, though, is still smarting from last year, when the had the best record in baseball and were the favorites to win the Fall Classic, but couldn’t win its first title since 1988.
This year should be different.
Take the Dodgers at +260.
4. ALCS Winner Boston +135 vs. Houston -155
Boston had the best regular-season record with 108 wins, but is getting little respect against the defending champion Astros. Part of that is the pitching staff, which has been a little shaky down the stretch.
Boston’s David Price is the wildcard. He struggled in the postseason, but manager Alex Cora said a problem was identified and corrected. He will be the Game 2 starter against Houston’s Gerrit Cole.
Both teams have potent offenses and it will come down to who has more success against the pitching. Though everyone is picking Houston to return to the World Series, Boston could surprise them.
Take Boston +135 to win the ALCS.
5. Game 1 ALCS 7 Runs Under +105, Over -115
With the aces of Boston and Houston pitching with several days of rest, the under at +105 looks like a good bet. Boston Chris Sale gave up two runs in his start against New York in the ALDS, and Houston’s Justin Verlander allowed two in his start.
The bullpen for both teams allowed a combined two runs, falling below seven. If both aces can go deep into the game, the under should hit.
Take the under at +1-5.