Ala Hann Sport picks

Philadelphia Phillies vs. Los Angeles Dodgers

National League Championship Series

Game 1: Thursday, Oct. 15 at 8:07 p.m. ET

Pitching wins championships, they say, and Philadelphia certainly has the edge in this series, at least in terms of the starting rotation. Deadline acquisition Cliff Lee proved he was worth every penny (or prospect) against the Cardinals when he allowed just two runs in 16.2 innings of work. Cole Hamels, though he struggled in his start against the Rockies (in his defense, his wife was in labor at the time), has great stuff and is capable of domination at the sportsbook.

The Dodgers will counter with Clayton Kershaw at the top of the rotation. The youngster, who didn’t have the banner season many expected, pitched very well by allowing two runs in 6.2 innings. After that it gets a little thin with Randy Wolf, Vicente Padilla and Jeff Weaver, while Philly will field Joe Blanton and J.A. Happ.

Los Angeles does gain the edge in the bullpen, however. Brad Lidge rebounded for the Phillies with two saves against the Rockies, but handicapping software shows L.A. led the majors in bullpen ERA this season. Closer Jonathan Broxton and set-up man George Sherrill are two of the NL’s best.

Both teams can swing the bat. Manny Ramirez headlines a lineup largely made up of young, talented hitters in Los Angeles. Andre Ethier went 6-12 with two HRs against Colorado; Matt Kemp, though he struggled in the opening round (2-14), hit 26 homers and 101 RBIs this season.

Of course, despite these talented players, L.A. can’t match up with Philadelphia’s mashing lineup. Philly led the National League in homers and runs this season and its power is very impressive. Four players—Ryan Howard, Jayson Werth, Raul Ibanez and Chase Utley—clubbed at least 30 homers each, while Jimmy Rollins held his own with another 21. Howard, Utley and Werth each helped spark a come-from-behind win in the series finale against the Rockies, keeping Philly’s World Series odds alive.

Los Angeles is a very good baseball team, but Philadelphia won the World Series last year for good reason—it’s one of the deepest, most talented teams in Major League Baseball. Supplementing a solid starting rotation with heaps of power throughout the lineup, any squad would have a tough time overtaking the Phillies in a seven-game series; even the Dodgers. Bet on Philadelphia with your MLB picks.