The Los Angeles Dodgers continued to try and display the dominance that is expected from such a stacked roster, built on a vintage performance from Clayton Kershaw.
Heading into a light Thursday with just six games on the board, there was no shortage of action on Wednesday. That included plenty of early afternoon fare as well as several one-run games.
Dodgers blow through the Brewers
Following a blowout win for the Milwaukee Brewers in the series opener, the star-studded Los Angeles Dodgers bounced back and dished out their revenge.
Not only did they win the second game of the series, but they took care of business on Wednesday with a convincing 8-1 victory.
That helped them extend their lead in the NL West thanks to such a strong performance by future Hall-of-Famer Clayton Kershaw.
The lefty had a great matchup against the Brewers, as they continue to have the worst team OPS (.594) against southpaws this season.
Kershaw went seven innings, allowing just one earned run and striking out eight batters.
Along with a three-RBI day from Freddie Freeman, an LA win was never in doubt.
The Dodgers remain just behind the Atlanta Braves as the second favourites to win the World Series at 11/2.
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Pirates hit a rocky stretch
One of the biggest surprise stories of the first month and a half of the 2023 MLB season has been the Pittsburgh Pirates.
Not only were expectations extremely low, but they also lost second-year sensation Oneil Cruz early in the year.
Despite that, the Pirates got off to a strong 20-8 start and were even ahead of the Brewers in the NL Central.
However, they’re beginning to show why those low expectations were there, as they have gone 1-9 in their last 10 games.
Wednesday’s loss was even more concerning, as the Colorado Rockies got just 2.2 innings out of starter Antonio Senzatela.
It seems as though unless Bryan Reynolds knocks in at least four runs himself, the Pirates will continue to struggle.
Despite their strong start, the Pirates are ahead of only the Cincinnati Reds to win the NL Central at 6/1.
Phillies fend off Blue Jays
The Philadelphia Phillies and Toronto Blue Jays are two of the favourites to represent their respective leagues in the 2023 World Series.
While they each have a lineup full of powerful and consistent bats, Wednesday’s matchup was more of a pitcher’s duel than anything else.
After an exciting 8-4 game on Tuesday, just a single run was scored on Wednesday until the bottom of the ninth inning, when the Phillies got a clutch RBI double from catcher J.T. Realmuto.
Just an inning later, in the bottom of the 10th, the returning Bryce Harper took centre stage yet again. It was just a routine fielder’s choice, but it was enough to give the Phillies the walk-off win.
The Blue Jays remain the third favourites to win the American League at 17/4, while the Phillies are 10/1 to win the National League.
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