Los Angeles Dodgers: Chance to clinch the postseason in SF

After a win on Friday and a St. Louis Cardinals loss, the Los Angeles Dodgers send Clayton Kershaw to the mound on Saturday to clinch the postseason.

The Los Angeles Dodgers came up with big situational hitting and some great pitching (and five double plays) to defeat the San Francisco Giants, 3-1, on Friday night.

With the win, the Dodgers moved a game ahead of the St. Louis Cardinals for the second Wild Card spot. The Cardinals were defeated 8-4 by the Chicago Cubs, who are fighting for NL Central supremacy with the Milwaukee Brewers.

With the Cubs still having something to play for, it is safe to say they will be playing the Cardinals at full power, which helps the Dodgers’ chances to make the postseason. All LA needs is one more win in the final two games or one St. Louis loss to be the second wild card team.

That is not the main goal, though. With the win on Friday the Dodgers kept pace with the Colorado Rockies, who defeated the Washington Nationals to maintain a one-game lead in the NL West.

Time is running out and the Dodgers have to win these final two games and hope the Rockies lose both to win the division. The two teams could tie, as well, if the Dodgers win both games and the Rockies split.

Washington is sending Stephen Strasburg to the mound on Saturday. If the Rockies lose and the Dodgers win, Max Scherzer wants the ball on Sunday to potentially spoil the Rockies’ NL West win.

Thanks, Max!

The Dodgers first have to worry about what is in their control. Here is who we think will guide the Los Angeles Dodgers offense on Saturday to stay in the NL West running.

Sarah’s pick – Current streak 5: Cody Bellinger

My pick for today is Cody Bellinger. He sat out yesterday against Bumgarner but could get an AB or two today. No matter what next week holds, the reigning NL Rookie of the Year needs to finish the season strong.

He’s had about as good a second season as anyone can ask for, and has been an elite defender for the Dodgers not only at first, but also in the outfield.

When he gets on a hot streak, he’s really good and if the Dodgers have to play a playoff game of two simply to get into October, a hot streak isn’t the worst thing.

Jason’s pick – Current streak 2: Max Muncy

It seems like it has been forever since Max Muncy sent a moonshot into the seats for a home run. He almost did it in Arizona to win the game for the Dodgers but fell about 10 feet short on the warning track.

That 309-foot right-field line looks very appealing for Muncy, who should get the start with a right-handed pitcher on the mound.

Not only am I predicting a hit for Mad Max Muncy, I think he is going to get all of one and groove it into McCovey Cove. Better get your kayaks ready, Dodger fans.