Dodgers rely on ace Snell to crush Phillies as Brewers’ Contreras eyes Cubs demolition
As the MLB playoff drama unfolds, two pivotal matchups take center stage on Monday night, intensifying the stakes in the National League divisional round. The Los Angeles Dodgers will face off against the Philadelphia Phillies at 6 p.m. ET, while the Chicago Cubs will take on the Milwaukee Brewers at 9 p.m. ET.
Dodgers Seek to Extend Series Lead
Both the Dodgers and Brewers emerged victorious in their respective Game 1s, setting the tone as they look to maintain their upper hand in the series. Despite the Phillies earning the higher seed, the Dodgers enter as favorites to clinch victory in the series. With the teams trailing 0-1, the underdog narrative is firmly established, adding an extra layer of tension to tonight’s encounters.
Blake Snell’s Striking Performance
The focus tonight will be on Dodgers’ ace, Blake Snell, who has been a revelation since returning from a lengthy stint on the injured list. After missing four months and making just 11 starts this season, Snell has made a remarkable comeback since August 2nd. In nine starts since his return, he has showcased an impressive ability to dominate hitters.
With a strikeout rate of 32.7% and an astounding K/9 of 11.69, Snell has struck out eight or more batters in five of those outings. For context, those figures would have led the league if he had pitched enough innings to qualify. Over this span, Snell has posted a stellar 2.41 ERA and elite metrics across the board, including a 2.31 FIP and a 2.39 xFIP.
Manager Dave Roberts is leaning heavily on Snell to go deep into the game, especially given the bullpen’s recent struggles. In his last outing against the Phillies on September 17, Snell delivered a masterclass, striking out 12 batters over seven innings. Fans can expect a similar performance tonight as he aims to shut down Philadelphia’s lineup once again.
Contreras Set for Strong Showing Against Cubs
On the other side of the diamond, Milwaukee’s William Contreras is poised to make an impact as the Brewers look to push further ahead against the Cubs. Following an explosive Game 1 performance, where the Brewers scored nine runs without hitting a single home run, Contreras stands out as a key player.
The Brewers’ offensive onslaught featured four doubles among their 13 hits, with Contreras contributing significantly. He recorded three hits with exit velocities exceeding 100 mph, including one of the four doubles. With a strong history against Cubs’ pitcher Shota Imanaga, Contreras has batted .300 in 10 at-bats against him, including two home runs.
For those looking to make a calculated bet, taking Contreras for 2+ total bases at +115 seems like a prudent choice. Given his recent form and the Brewers’ offensive momentum, he may not only reach that mark but could also add to the scoreboard with a home run.
As the Dodgers and Brewers aim to solidify their playoff positions, all eyes will be on Snell’s strikeouts and Contreras’s power. The excitement of postseason baseball continues to build, promising thrilling moments ahead.
