As the World Series intensifies, the Los Angeles Dodgers and Toronto Blue Jays face off in Game 3 on October 27, 2023, at Dodger Stadium. With the series tied at 1-1, the stakes are high as the teams vie for an advantage in this championship showdown. The Dodgers enter this match as -200 favorites, with an over/under set at 8 runs.
The Dodgers will rely on starter Tyler Glasnow, who has demonstrated exceptional form in the postseason, posting an impressive 0.68 ERA and a WHIP of 0.85. Notably, he has excelled at home, contributing to the Dodgers’ strong offensive record during the regular season, where they ranked second in weighted on-base average (wOBA) and led the league in isolated power (ISO).
Conversely, the Blue Jays will put veteran pitcher Max Scherzer on the mound. Scherzer, despite winning Game 4 in the AL Championship Series, has struggled recently, showcasing a 9.00 ERA and a 1.80 WHIP in his last six regular-season starts. Toronto’s performance away from home has also been inconsistent; they finished the regular season with a 40-41 road record, and their ISO dropped significantly when playing outside their home stadium.
Expectations and Insights for Game 3
Even with the challenges faced by the Blue Jays, experts anticipate a potential offensive rebound after their lackluster performance in Game 2, where they managed only one run on four hits. Despite their road struggles, the Blue Jays’ lineup possesses the capability to deliver a stronger outing.
Glasnow’s playoff performance has raised questions about sustainability, particularly given his extraordinarily high 93.3% strand rate. Furthermore, both teams have shown vulnerabilities in their bullpens during the postseason; the Blue Jays’ relievers have recorded a 5.43 ERA, while the Dodgers’ bullpen has fared worse with a 6.16 ERA.
Looking at individual matchups, Dodgers first baseman Freddie Freeman has a notable history against Scherzer, facing him 64 times throughout his career. Freeman boasts three home runs and a .236 ISO against Scherzer, making him a key player to watch.
Weather conditions for the game will be mild, with temperatures starting in the mid-to-upper 60s Fahrenheit and dropping to the low 60s by the game’s conclusion. After some morning clouds, the skies are expected to clear, providing excellent visibility for both players and spectators. The light breeze may aid pitchers, making precision and effective breaking balls critical for success.
Strategic Considerations and Betting Insights
As the game unfolds, both teams are likely to focus on run prevention and strategic outfield positioning. Managers may opt for high-leverage bullpen matchups late in the game, which could significantly impact the outcome.
For those considering wagers, the combination of Glasnow’s postseason performance and the Dodgers’ home advantage makes them a compelling choice. The potential for a same-game parlay around Glasnow’s strikeouts and the Dodgers’ offensive output could present valuable betting opportunities.
As the Dodgers and Blue Jays prepare for this pivotal Game 3, the excitement builds for fans and analysts alike. This matchup not only holds the promise of thrilling baseball but also the potential for a decisive swing in the World Series standings.
