NLCS Game 3 Preview

Game 3: Adam Wainwright vs. Hyun-jin Ryu
As the series shifts back to Los Angeles for games 3 and 4, the Dodgers are starting to feel a sense of urgency. The offense is struggling. SS Hanley Ramirez has been battling a rib injury and might not be available for game 3 or maybe even the rest of the series. Cardinals ace Adam Wainwright is on the mound for game 3. Wainwright was brilliant in the NLDS, throwing 16 innings of 2 run ball with 15 strikeouts. He will look to continue this success come Monday night. He will go up against Dodgers starter Hyun Jin Ryu who struggled mightily against the Braves offense in the NLDS. He lasted just 3 innings while allowing 4 ER, striking out just 1. The key to success for the Dodgers will be Ryu; if he can return to mid-season form they have a shot, albeit a slim one, of winning the pivotal game 3 against the Cardinals. If he pitches like he did against the Braves, the Dodgers can say goodbye to their World Series hopes.

Bottom Line: A 9th inning rally, capitalized by a home run from rookie Yasiel Puig who has been struggling mightily recently, will propel the Dodgers to a 4-3 win at home.

NLCS Game 2 Preview

Game 2: Clayton Kershaw vs. Michael Wacha

After an extra innings battle last night that finally ended with a Cardinals victory, the Dodgers are looking to bounce back in a critical game 2. Ace Clayton Kershaw will certainly be at his best tonight and he will be facing 22 year old Michael Wacha. Wacha has been arguably the hottest pitcher in baseball in the last month and this will be his first career start against the Dodgers. The Dodgers will be without Andre Ethier in the outfield but Hanley Ramirez is in the lineup after some concern that a rib injury would hold him out of the game.
Prediction- Dodgers win 2-1 in a fierce pitching battle.