Los Angeles Dodgers: Three predictions for NLDS game three

1. A big first inning from the Dodgers

Dodger fans hate Yasiel Puig, and quite frankly, there is likely some resentment from the Dodgers’ roster as well. Greinke opted out of his contract with Los Angeles following the 2015 season only to sign a massive six-year, $206 million contract with the Diamondbacks.

While it did sting to see Greinke leave to the team’s division rivals one year after a Cy Young caliber performance, it was likely for the best as that contract may be one of the worst in baseball in the next two to three years.

That potentially resentment is shown whenever the Dodgers face Greinke on the mound. In 2016 Greinke had a 5.60 ERA against the Dodgers in three starts, allowing 11 earned runs in 17.2 innings. This last season his ERA fell to 3.65 against the Dodgers, but he still held a 1-2 record and allowed five earned runs in five innings in his first start against them this season.

Greinke is dominant at home, but he certainly is human. The Colorado Rockies showcased that when the team put up four runs in the fourth inning to force Greinke out of the game.

For the Dodgers, expect the team to ride their early momentum and put up at least one run in the first frame. Chris Taylor is 0-7 against Greinke, Corey Seager is 6-11 with two home runs,  Justin Turner is 7-22 with five RBIs, Cody Bellinger is 3-9 with a home run and Yasiel Puig is 1-6 with two RBIs.

The 2-3-4 hitters have hit Greinke well, and with hot bats in Taylor and Puig, they could do some serious damage early.