San Diego Padres are hot off a win against the St. Louis Cardinals. The Miami Marlins are against all odds as they look to upset the Braves. Only four teams remain in the National League, let’s preview the two series ahead of the National League Division Series.
Padres vs. Dodgers
Padres defeated the St. Louis Cardinals in three games in the Wild Card series. San Diego now moves on to face the top-seeded Los Angeles Dodgers.
The Dodgers have the best odds of the four remaining NL teams to win the World Series.
Despite missing two of their best starters in the first series, Mike Clevinger and Dinelson Lamet, the Padres managed to shut down the Cardinals in Games 2 and 3.
After completing a throwing session yesterday, Clevinger said he was feeling “great.” He’s expected to be available in the NLDS. That is good news for the Padres as they acquired Clevinger specifically for the playoffs. Chris Paddack has been struggling as of late.
Lamet’s status for the upcoming series is currently unknown.
Clayton Kershaw, who has a history of underperforming in the playoffs, is looking to put that behind him in 2020.
Kershaw pitched one of his best games ever in the postseason against the Brewers in the Wild Card series. The 32-year-old pitched an eight-inning shutout game, allowing only three hits and striking out 13.
Manny Machado and Fernando Tatis Jr will look to continue their hot play.
Prediction: Dodgers win series 3-2
Marlins vs. Braves
After shocking the Cubs and sweeping them in two games, Miami now looks to keep their perfect postseason record alive against the Atlanta Braves.
Atlanta managed to shutout the Cincinnati Reds in their Wild Card series to win their first playoff series in 19 years.
Miami is the heavy underdog in this series. Of the four NL teams left in the playoffs, they occupy the worst odds to hoist the Commissioners Trophy.
The Marlins are going to struggle to contain the Brave’s lethal offense. With players like Ronald Acuna Jr, Freddie Freeman, and Marcell Ozuna, Miami’s pitching staff will have to be at their very best if they have a shot at winning this series.
Prediction: Braves win series 3-1
