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Philadelphia (1-2) at LA Dodgers (2-1)
- When: Oct 9 2025, 6:08 PM
- Where: Dodger Stadium, Los Angeles
- Where to watch: TBS
Philadelphia vs LA Dodgers MLB Playoff Preview & Pick
Moneyline: LA Dodgers -133
Spread: LA Dodgers -1.5 (+155)
Total: 8.0
Philadelphia Phillies Betting Outlook
The Phillies are breathing again. After two flat performances at home, they rediscovered their swagger in an 8 to 2 win that kept their season alive. The offense that had gone missing in the first two games finally roared back, led by their star trio, Trea Turner, Bryce Harper, and Kyle Schwarber who combined for seven hits, five runs batted in, and four runs scored.
Schwarber reminded everyone that the long ball is still his best party trick, launching two homers that sent Citizens Bank Park into a frenzy. His 455-foot bomb in the fourth inning tied the game and flipped the emotional balance of the series. From there, the Phillies never looked back.
Manager Rob Thomson’s pregame message was simple: relax and have fun. It worked. The energy was loose, confident, and infectious — and for the first time this series, Philadelphia looked like the team that racked up the second-best record in the National League.
Now comes the real test. Left-hander Cristopher Sanchez returns to the mound on short rest after throwing five scoreless innings in Game 1 before things unraveled late. Sanchez’s ability to navigate the Dodgers’ lineup a second time around will be critical.
The Phillies have shown all year that they feed off momentum, and they’ll look to carry that fight back into Game 4. With their big bats finally awake, the confidence in the clubhouse feels like it’s back to full strength.
Los Angeles Dodgers Betting Outlook
The Dodgers have been cruising through most of this postseason, but they now find themselves tested for the first time. Despite holding a 2 to 1 series lead, Los Angeles looked sluggish and off-balance in Game 3, especially at the plate. Shohei Ohtani, who crushed 55 homers during the regular season, is just 1 for 14 in the series with seven strikeouts — a nightmare slump for a player usually allergic to failure.
Manager Dave Roberts didn’t sugarcoat it, noting that Ohtani’s swing decisions “just aren’t there.” For the Dodgers to close this series out, their superstar needs to find his timing, and fast.
Right-hander Tyler Glasnow gets the ball for Game 4 in his first postseason start. Glasnow has barely pitched in the past few weeks due to shoulder inflammation, logging less than five innings since late September. While the Dodgers trust his stuff, his stamina is a wild card. He’s struggled against the Phillies in his career, posting a 7.56 ERA, including a rough outing in April when he allowed five runs and five walks in just over two innings.
Los Angeles’ pitching plan will once again rely on flexibility, with Roberts ready to mix and match arms from the bullpen depending on how Glasnow holds up. Tanner Scott’s absence due to a personal matter complicates things further for a relief unit already stretched thin.
Prediction & Betting Angle
The Dodgers at home with the crowd ready to see a series-clinching win, but the Phillies’ offense finally looks alive. With confidence surging after an explosive Game 3, Philadelphia has the firepower to keep this one tight. Expect a back-and-forth battle with late scoring deciding the outcome under the bright Los Angeles lights.
Score Prediction: Phillies 5, Dodgers 4
Pick: Philadelphia (+111)
Total: Over 8.0 (+100)
- MLB Playoff Odds source: Bovada Sportsbook
- Get real-time live scores & latest betting odds here!
