posted October 19, 2009 at 12:34 EST in MLB Articles
MLB Playoff Insider - Trouble for LA in both the American and National Leagues
by BetUS Staff
MLB betting is in full swing with the League Championship Series changing scenes. The MLB postseason has provided some nail-biting moments for baseball handicapping, which will watch the ALCS move to Los Angeles while the NLCS stays east in Philadelphia for the next two games .
New York Yankees at Los Angeles Angels
The Angels haven’t been able to touch the New York Yankees' pitching staff in this series, falling down 0-2 in the ALCS heading into Monday night's Game 3. Los Angeles Angels are hitting just .154 in the opening two games of the series, with an on-base percentage of .464 and only four extra-base hits. The lack of runners on base has nullified the Halos’ biggest weapon.
Los Angeles hasn't been able to steal bases, with only one stolen bag this series. In the regular season, the Angels relied heavily on their speed, ranking third in total stolen bases. Perhaps the move back to Los Angeles can spark their offense. The Halos were the best home-hitting team in the majors this season with a .288 batting average and an average score of nearly 5.5 runs per game. They also stole 62 bags inside Angel Stadium this year.
Los Angeles Dodgers at Philadelphia Phillies
These two National League heavyweights have traded shots in the opening games of the NLCS. Philadelphia took a 2-1 series lead with a huge 11-0 victory over the Los Angeles Dodgers on Sunday night. The Philadelphia Phillies continue to get great production from their big bats. Slugger Ryan Howard is hitting .385 with 12 RBI and one home run, Jayson Werth continues his breakout year with a three home runs this postseason, and Shane Victorino and Chase Utley are both hitting over .340 with a combined three home runs and 12 RBI.
Los Angeles’ bats have gone flat in the past two games, totaling only two runs in the past two contests. The Dodgers opened the series with six runs in an 8-6 loss but are now hitting just .277 for the series. Los Angeles has 22 hits to Philadelphia's 34, with only four of those for extra bases. The middle of the Dodgers’ order hasn't been able to get on a roll. Big names like Andre Ethier, Manny Ramirez, and Matt Kemp have combined for nine hits but only four RBI and five strikeouts heading into Monday's Game 4.
