NLCS GAME 6 (10/23)

YTD (DIAMONDBACKS PLAYOFF GAMES):  8-3-1

I obviously have backed the Dbacks for more times than not, yielding some great profits.  The game on Saturday was difficult to bear as I had cited that defense would be a big reason why either of the teams would win that game and, in the first inning, a costly error gifted the Phillies their second run while an error later in the game also came around to score.  Unfortunately for me one of the best defensive teams in the history of MLB put themselves behind against a pitcher who has been lights out, in Zach Wheeler.

Today the teams are in Philadelphia to square off in a pivotal Game 6.  Same matchup as last time there, with Merrill Kelly going up against Aaron Nola.  To be honest, Kelly was pretty good in the first start there and I think he will be even better tonight.  Nola was close to unhittable and I am not really sure he will replicate that again.  If he does, I think the Phillies move on and AZ is flying home.  But if the Diamondbacks can work the counts and get to the Philadelphia bullpen, I think they will be able to potentially pull it off and force a Game 7.

Some thing the pressure is entirely on the Diamondbacks, but I don't think that to be the case.  Yes, they have pressure b/c their backs are up against the wall but they are in their same massive underdog spot that they have thrived in all year.  And, they are playing with house money b/c nobody really believed they could get this far.

I have a big enough wager on the Diamondbacks to win the series, though I wish I had waited until before Game 6 to grab that series price.  So I am NOT going to double down here and play a side for the full game.  I am going to play a side for the first 5 as I think the Diamondbacks will have the lead after 5 innings behind Kelly's pitching and a much tighter defense.  The game is being played somewhat early, even for EST, so the teams will adjust, I'm not sure if shadows play a part at this point in the season in Philadelphia.  If anyone has that answer, I'd love to know b/c I do like the UNDER tonight.

That being said, I'm on the DIAMONDBACKS +1/2 (110) F5, NOT full game.  I hope they do come out and win the game but I like my odds in the first five innings, especially with the line at +1/2 and + odds.  Kelly is a strong pitcher, I think he shows up today, just not certain what happens late innings.  Keep comments positive, love the banter, and tail or fade, good luck to all...

@LAGameofInches

Hey LAG, great stuff as always. Thanks.

Have a series play on the D backs, so certainly can’t go against them here. With you on first 5.

Good luck! 

That’s a coincidence. I went with the D-Backs in the 1st 5 innings, too. I have them on the moneyline +160.

@MrBator

@LAGameofInches

@LAGameofInches

@MrBator

I took them there as well...not a coincidence, just great minds thinking alike 

annnnd there's my answer......CRAZY shadows not sure if I will do anything with TOTAL though 

fading the phils again?

That +160 actually rose to +165, so I hammered it again for three-fourths the amount of my original action.

The problem is that Arizona has either lost or tied at best the first five every game of this series. What makes matters worst Nola hasn't lost a first 5 in early 2 months (won each of them in the post season and going all the way back to Sept 2 and even that was a blip on the radar of his performance as of late). Meanwhile Kelly has won about half and lost about half of the first five bets the last two months. So I just don't see an advantage from a betting standing point here. I am staying pat on what I have for series bets. I did play both team to score 2 runs or more in the game. I hope for the best. BOL to you both!

GL 

Lets GO LA. BOL

It’s the prices, jesron1289.

Christian Walker batting in the cleanup spot feels like a concession of the series. He whiffs (of course) and is now 2-18 in the series. Which is still superior to Corbin Carroll’s 2-20.

He's lost and pushing too hard.  Never works.  Reminds me of A-Rod 's incompetence.  Or many others who just were different players in the postseason.

@MrBator

 Not many options after Moreno.. Gurriel shoud be clean up. His swing was much better last few games. 

All I ask is that the D-Backs don’t immediately fall behind, but that’s already asking a lot with Merrill Kelly trembling out there on the mound.

Thank you, Merrill. That was actually a significant hurdle for the entire team.

I agree but like the announcers said he's not going to give in to Schwarber/Harper 1st inning and get behind.  So walk them and take your chances with the others.  I don't mind it...well so long as it works which it just did.

Good luck gentlemen 

Tommy Pham!!!!  Chip on his shoulders and all!

Tommy Pham’s benching for Game 5 appears to have done him some good.