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LA Dodgers (93-69) at Philadelphia (96-66)
- When: Oct 4 2025, 6:38 PM
- Where: Citizens Bank Park, Philadelphia
- Where to watch: HBO Max
LA Dodgers vs Philadelphia MLB Playoff Preview & Pick
Moneyline: Philadelphia -121
Spread: Philadelphia -1.5 (+175)
Total: 7.0
Los Angeles Dodgers Betting Preview
The Dodgers arrive in Philly battle-tested after sweeping Cincinnati in the Wild Card round. Shohei Ohtani and Teoscar Hernández powered the offense with two home runs each, and Mookie Betts kept his postseason tear going with a 4-hit, 3-RBI game in Game 2.
On the mound, Los Angeles turns to Shohei Ohtani, who enters Saturday’s start with a 2.87 ERA and a lights-out September where he tossed 14 2/3 scoreless innings. He blanked Philly over five no-hit innings back on Sept. 16 and now gets his first crack at postseason pitching.
Offensively, LA still leads with Betts and Freddie Freeman, but timely power and veteran composure will be key against a Phillies team that has outplayed them in recent postseason matchups.
Dodgers Prop Pick: Shohei Ohtani Over 6.5 Strikeouts — He struck out 9 Phillies last month and should get deep into the game again.
Philadelphia Phillies Betting Preview
The Phillies are seeking redemption after early exits the past two seasons. Manager Rob Thomson believes the team’s hunger has only intensified and recent postseason history backs that up.
Cristopher Sanchez will start Game 1, coming off two consecutive scoreless outings and a strong September where he posted a 1.65 ERA. Though Sanchez has allowed 4 ER in each of his two starts against LA this season, he’s also undefeated against them with a 2-0 lifetime mark.
Bryce Harper and Kyle Schwarber headline a Philly lineup that took four of six games from the Dodgers this year and owns the psychological edge, having eliminated LA in both the 2008 and 2009 NLCS.
Phillies Prop Pick: Bryce Harper Over 1.5 Total Bases — Harper is built for October and should thrive in this high-leverage series opener.
Prediction & Betting Outlook
This Game 1 matchup features aces on both sides, and the total of 7.0 reflects the tight pitching duel expected. The Phillies have been dominant at home and seem to have the Dodgers’ number when it matters most. With Ohtani making his first playoff start and Sanchez riding hot momentum, expect a chess match through the early innings.
Score Prediction: Phillies 4, Dodgers 2
Pick: Philadelphia (-121)
Total: Under 7.0 (+105)
- MLB Playoff Odds source: MyBookie Sportsbook
- Get real-time live scores & latest betting odds here!
