NLCS Game 2 Betting Odds, Expert Preview & Pick.

NLCS Game 2 Betting Odds, Expert Preview & Pick

Written by on October 15, 2017

Following their victory in the Game 1 NLCS opener on Saturday, the Los Angeles Dodgers will host the Chicago Cubs in Game 2 on Sunday in what should amount to a knock-down, drag-out affair between the two National League World Series hopefuls. There are questions for both teams, though, mostly Chicago, as far as who will take the mound in Game 2. Consider the NLCS Game 2 betting odds will change based on that decision, so be sure to check the latest MLB Postseason Odds before placing your final betting ticket. But don’t worry, with this matchup preview you will be able to clarify those and some other questions. *Updated on October 15th

NLCS Game 2 Betting Odds, Expert Preview & Pick

  • When: Sunday, October 15, 6:38 PM ET
  • Where: Dodger Stadium, Los Angeles
  • TV: TBS
  • Radio: 670 The Score, 570 LA Sports, KTNQ 1020, KMPC 1540, ESPN Radio
  • Live Stream: MLB.tv
  • NLCS Game 2 Betting Odds: Dodgers -1.5, -160

Weather Forecast

  • Clear: 25°C/77°F
  • Humidity: 33%
  • Precipitation: 0%
  • Cloud Cover: 5%
  • Wind: 4 mph W
  • Stadium Type: Open

Updated 2017 World Series Odds To Win – October 13th Edition

Head to Head Statistics (Last 10 Games)

  • Runs: Chicago Cubs 3.40 / Los Angeles Dodgers 3.40
  • Hits: Chicago Cubs 7.20 / Los Angeles Dodgers 6.60
  • Walks: Chicago Cubs 3.00 / Los Angeles Dodgers 3.60
  • Strike Outs: Chicago Cubs 9.30 / Los Angeles Dodgers 9.10
  • Over/Under: Chicago Cubs 3-7 / Los Angeles Dodgers 3-7

Probable Pitchers

Chicago Cubs – John Lester The Cubs had a tough time getting past Washington and used a ton of arms to advance, particularly in their 9-8 game 5 series-clinching wins with starters, Jon Lester and Jose Quintana both seeing action. Quintana did only throw 12 pitches on Thursday, so I’m guessing he could get the start in Game 2 far more than Lester unless Chicago manager Joe Maddon chooses to go with 38-year-old veteran John Lackey, who didn’t pitch in the NLDS but has plenty of playoff experience. Neither Jake Arrieta or Kyle Hendricks will start in game 2. Lester looks like a very long shot to take the mound in game 2 after throwing 55 pitches in 3.2 innings of relief on Wednesday. Less experienced starter Hector Rondon could be added to the roster after the Cubs chose to carry outfielder Leonys Martin for the NLDS. Los Angeles Dodgers – Rich Hill The Dodgers will start left-hander Rich Hill and right-hander Yu Darvish in some order in Games 2 and 3. Hill started Game 2 of the NLDS and limited Arizona to two runs on three hits in four innings, with four strikeouts against three walks. Darvish put up a fantastic effort in limiting the Diamondbacks to one run on two hits, including one home run, in five innings while striking out seven.

Why Bet on the Cubs?

Chicago ranked fourth in scoring during the regular season (5.07 RPG) and seventh in team ERA (3.95) while Los Angeles ranked 12th in scoring (4.75 RPG), but a stellar second in team ERA (3.38). The Cubs won Game 1 of their NLDS matchup against Washington 3-0 before losing Game 2 6-3. the Cubs bounced back to win game 3 in a tight contest 2-1, before falling to Washington 5-0 in Game 4. Thanks to a controversial call in Game 5, the Cubs advanced in a thriller 9-8. However, let it be known that the Cubs are just 7-15 in their last 22 games against teams from the NL West, one of the reasons they are not NLCS Game 2 Betting Odds favorites.

Team Statistics

Offense
  • Runs: 5.02
  • Hits: 8.57
  • Walks: 3.83
  • Strike Outs: 8.70
Defense
  • Runs: 4.28
  • Hits: 7.91
  • Walks: 3.47
  • Strike Outs: 8.86

Why Bet on the Dodgers?

The Dodgers won an MLB-best 104 games during the regular season and could have won more if not for a late-season struggle. However, L.A. got its act together over a final couple of weeks and swept Arizona in their NLDS matchup by taking Game 1 9-5, Game 2, 8-5 and Game 3, 3-1. Playing at home, the NLCS Game 2 Betting Odds favors Los Angeles Dodgers. Los Angeles also closed out the regular season ranked a stellar second in team ERA (3.38) while four of their starters reached the double-digit win mark, topped by staff ace lefty Clayton Kershaw’s 18 wins.

Team Statistics

Offense
  • Runs: 4.79
  • Hits: 8.36
  • Walks: 4.03
  • Strike Outs: 8.53
Defense
  • Runs: 3.58
  • Hits: 7.53
  • Walks: 2.72
  • Strike Outs: 9.56

Latest Betting Trends for NLCS Game 2

  • Cubs are 1-5 ATS in their last 6 games when playing LA Dodgers
  • Cubs are 1-4 SU in their last 5 games when playing LA Dodgers
  • The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Chi Cubs’s last 7 games when playing LA Dodgers
  • Dodgers are 5-0 ATS in their last 5 games at home
  • Dodgers are 5-0 SU in their last 5 games at home
  • The total has gone UNDER in 4 of LA Dodgers’s last 6 games

Expert Betting Pick

Without knowing who’s taking the mound for either team in game 2, and considering the NLCS Game 2 betting odds may change before the game starts, I’m going to say the Dodgers are the pick, based mostly on the fact that they are the far better pitching team and as baseball fans and betting enthusiasts know, good pitching beats good hitting far more often than not. Los Angeles is a crazy, 49-18 in their last 67 home games and 4-1 in their last five meetings against Chicago. The Cubs got much better pitching a year ago en route to the World Series title and I believe that will be the difference in Game 2 and this NLCS matchup overall.