Giants (Wood) vs Dodgers (Scherzer)

After a pummeling in Game 2, the Giants face Max Scherzer on the road. Scherzer has been almost unhittable since joining the Dodgers, with two exceptions; he allowed a run an inning, 10 total, in his last two starts of the regular season. In the wild card game, he lasted but 4 innings but still only gave up 1 run, although he was uncharacteristically wild. There is talk of a delivery issue in his mechanics being “solved”, and Scherzer is the consummate professional, so it is likely he will performwell today.

Alex Wood starts for the Giants today. Confined by the Dodgers, his former team, to relief efforts in the post season last year, he will have something to prove. Since returning from Covid illness, Wood has been lights out, allowing only two runs over 13 innings in his last three starts. His arm should be well rested, and he was extremely effective in the postseason last year.

Obviously these two teams are well matched. Both have very good bullpens, although the Giants’ was uncharacteristically poor in game 2. The Dodgers are a very good home team and have been dominant vs. left-handed pitchers. Home or away hasn’t much mattered to the Giants; they are equally effective in both situations. With Scherzer pitching, the Dodgers are a strong favorite, but is he completely right?

I can't see the Giants, such a formidable team all year, rolling over here, and I am not convinced that Scherzer is completely right. Take the Giants + 1 1/2 today