Fall Ball

The MLB Postseason began last night when the Pirates knocked the Reds out in a 1-game Playoff 6-2 behind Russell Martin's 2 HR. Francisco Liriano had a good outing for Pittsburgh in their 1st Playoff game in over 20 years. The Rays and Indians are in a 1-game Playoff tonight. The winner gets the pleasure of taking on the Red Sox. David Price pitched a gem in the 1-game Playoff to get to the 1-game Playoff. Alex Cobb will be on the mound for the Rays while Danny Salazar will get the nod for the Indians. The Rays lineup is too explosive and has more experience then the Indians. The game will be played in Cleveland. I think the fans at Progressive Field will go home bummed as the Rays will take it. 

Pirates vs Cardinals

Thursday 5:07 PM Busch Stadium
Game 1

Pittsburgh is coming off the best win in the franchise's last 20 years. They have some great leaders and the Cardinals are in for a grind of a series. AJ Burnett and Adam Wainwright are both taking the hill. The Pirates have a very electric and balanced offense. St. Louis's lineup is deep from top to bottom. Allen Craig and Yadier Molina are both having terrific years. This game will be very intriguing, but I am going to go with the Cardinals. 

My Game 1 Pick: Cardinals 5 Pirates 3
My Series Pick: Pirates in 5

Dodgers vs Braves

Thursday 8:07 PM Turner Field
Game 1

This series is full of stars and some great pitchers. Game 1 should be a defensive battle considering Clayton Kershaw and Kris Medlen are on the mound. The Dodgers will be missing Matt Kemp throughout the whole Postseason. Skip Schumaker will take his place. Andre Ethier may be limited to pinch-hitting, but should hopefully be able to make a return soon. This is Yasiel Puig, Carl Crawford, and Adrian Gonzalez's first Postseason game as a Dodger. Dan Uggla has been left off the Braves's NLDS roster and will not play this series. He has had a .179 batting average this season. The Dodgers pitching staff I think is too stout for the Braves. Greinke is set to pitch in Game 2 and Ryu is ready for Game 3. It is ashamed Tim Hudson isn't able to pitch for the Braves after his ankle injury. 

My Game 1 Pick: Dodgers 6 Braves 2
Series Pick: Dodgers in 3 games