Braves vs Dodgers Odds, Lines, and Picks for NLCS Game 7 – Anderson vs TBA

• The Dodgers won Game 6 3-1, forcing a Game 7 in the NLCS
• Game 7’s likely pitching match-up will be a rematch of Game 2: Ian Anderson vs Tony Gonsolin
• First pitch for Game 7 is at 8:15 pm ET on Sunday from Globe Life Field

When the Dodgers needed him the most, Walker Buehler stepped up and delivered a gem.

Buehler’s 2020 season has been full of mixed results, but Game 6 was by far his best. He gave up seven hits over six shutout innings, striking out six after Corey Seager and the offense staked him to a 3-0 lead.

Now it’s a winner-take-all Game 7 with LA looking for a third-straight win to head back to the World Series. The only game on Monday (October 18th) gets underway at 8:15 pm ET from Globe Life Field in Texas.

Braves vs Dodgers Odds – Game 7

Odds as of Oct 17th from FanDuel

It’s no surprise that the Dodgers are favorites at -139, because they’ve been favored in every game.

The total has been in flux through the first six games, and it seems the expectation is for another low-scoring affair with a spot in the World Series on the line. The prospective under has hit in just two of the games this series.

Anderson, Gonsolin Likely Duel With Season On The Line

When Tony Gonsolin became Game 2’s surprise starter, he probably didn’t expect to get the ball in Game 7.

"Just trying to be as ready as I can be." @goooose15 talks pregame about what he takes from his previous outing and staying ready in case his name is called. pic.twitter.com/dFCxPqBq2y

— SportsNet LA (@SportsNetLA) October 17, 2020

And while it hasn’t formally been announced that Gonsolin will start, it looks likely. Even if he doesn’t, Ken Gurnick reported that Gonsolin will take down ‘a big portion’ of the innings in Game 7 for LA.

Anderson vs Gonsolin: Game 2

This potential rematch will be very interesting.

In the Game 6 preview, the discussion was about how the Dodgers made Max Fried throw a ton of pitches early on in Game 1, but couldn’t capitalize. They fixed that, scoring three runs in the first inning. It was a good thing they did too, because he didn’t give them anything after that.

Max Fried may be listed as the losing pitcher of this game in the end, but he showed again just how well he has evolved, in his ability to make adjustments. Three runs in the first; 5 2/3 scoreless thereafter.

— Buster Olney (@Buster_ESPN) October 17, 2020

In Game 2 against Anderson, it was a similar outcome. LA stranded two runners in the first, three in the third, and one in the fourth. Anderson had multiple walks in four of his six regular season starts, so he’s no stranger to free passes.

Ian Anderson joins Christy Mathewson as the only players in MLB postseason history with 4 scoreless IP in their first 3 postseason appearances.

Mathewson threw 3 shutouts in the 1905 World Series (in the span of 6 days). pic.twitter.com/2RwwB9MKk3

— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) October 14, 2020

For Gonsolin, his first career postseason start didn’t go to plan. He’s rebounded well from bad outings so far in his career though. Two of the three times he’s given up three or more runs he’s allowed just one run in his next appearance.

As Corey Seager Goes, the Dodgers Go

Once you get past the pitchers, the key for both teams will be hitting.

For the Braves, Freddie Freeman has been a constant in the middle of the lineup throughout the series. He has hit safely in every game, with three two-hit efforts.

For the Dodgers, this has been the Corey Seager show, as he’s played a massive role in all three of their wins.

Corey Seager NLCS Stats

While LA’s other stars have stumbled at key times, Seager has been consistent throughout. He has homered in all three of the Dodgers’ wins, and would’ve been largely responsible for the Game 2 comeback had they completed it.

Pitching Key in Fight for World Series

While getting a solid start is key, the bullpens have to be sharp as well. Neither team really exhausted their relievers in Game 6, using six combined.

But given the all-hands-on-deck approach, the reinforcements the Dodgers can trot out trump the Braves’.

As with Fried, LA had success against Anderson but just couldn’t cash in the first time around. They’ll figure it out in Game 7, scoring just enough to get them back to the World Series.

The Pick: Dodgers (-139)