The Brewers look like a solid wager in the April 14th NL free pick, listed at +125 vs. the Dodgers. That definitely seems like it could be a trap play considering Milwaukee has taken the first two of the series vs. Los Angeles. LA has also lost six in a row yet oddsmakers are listing them at -145 even with a shaky starter on the hill. Is there any way to be talked out of the Brew Crew in this one?
Milwaukee Wrapping Up Long Trip to LA
One thing going against the Brewers in the April 14th NL free pick is that they could be getting anxious to get back home. Prior to their three game series with the Dodgers that wraps up today, Milwaukee lost three in a row to the Angels. The Brewers head back to Miller Park for a three game series with the Cardinals, who they are up just 1.5 games on in the Central so the “look-ahead” angle is definitely there.
It’s just hard to not like Milwaukee in this one. The Brewers offense is clicking with two games of 8 runs scored in their last four contests. Yasmani Grandal has a .636 OBP over the last 7 days and Mike Moustakas led the 4-1 win in yesterday’s affair with a HR. Christian Yelich scored 3 runs in Friday’s win as well. It will likely be the pitching that leads the Brewers on Sunday though. Jhoulys Chacin has allowed 3 ER or less going on 17 straight appearances. The O/U is 9 for the series finale.
Why are the Skidding Dodgers Favored Here?
LA has not only dropped the first two vs. Milwaukee, they preceded that by getting swept by St. Louis in a four game set. The Dodgers are still just 3GB in the NL West and have a 5-3 record at Chavez Ravine this season. The LA offense has been the main culprit behind their struggles, being held to 2 runs or less in 3 of 5. Cody Bellinger has been hot with a .417 average and 3HR over the past 7 days and LA has a cumulative .307 average vs. Chacin so maybe the losing streak ends in the April 14th NL free pick.
The reason Los Angeles is a tough sell on Sunday is because of the way starter Ross Stripling has pitched as of late. He allowed 5XB hits in five IP vs. the Cardinals last time out and gave up 2HR to San Francisco in the start prior. Stripling has held the Brewers lineup to just 4 hits in 20 AB however.
April 14th NL Free Pick Betting
The Brewers may be a trap play in this one and they do have the potential to lay an egg on getaway day after 6 games in LA and with division rival St. Louis on deck. With the way Chacin has pitched though, a lower scoring game should be in the cards. If Milwaukee does indeed fall, their offense will sputter so the total is a safer play in this one.
NL Free Pick: Brewers / Dodgers *Under* 9
