Giants vs Dodgers predictions
If you’re sizing up the San Francisco Giants heading into Game 2, there are a few bats you’ll want to keep an eye on. Heliot Ramos has been swinging a hot stick lately, and I could easily see him racking up another multi-hit game—think a single, maybe a double, and some production at the top of the order. Wilmer Flores always seems to come through in clutch situations; he’s a solid bet to notch at least a hit and potentially drive in a run, anchoring the middle of the lineup. Jung Hoo Lee keeps chipping in consistent contact, so don’t be surprised if he strings together a couple of base knocks as well. On the mound, Landen Roupp is set for a tough matchup, but I think he’s shown enough poise to keep the Giants in it for five or so innings, collect a handful of strikeouts, and avoid any huge innings—just enough for his team to hang around.
Speaking of tough matchups, the Dodgers’ offense is absolutely stacked. Freddie Freeman is just impossible to pitch to when he’s in a groove; I’d expect him to reach base a couple times, maybe slap a double and drive in a run. Shohei Ohtani is always a wildcard, but with his raw power and patience at the plate, don’t be shocked if he puts a charge into one tonight and scores a couple runs. Teoscar Hernandez could play the hero role as well—with runners on, he’s been pure danger, and I wouldn’t put it past him to pick up a big extra-base hit and add to his RBI total. And you can’t talk Dodgers without mentioning Clayton Kershaw on the bump; even if he isn’t in full vintage form, he’s got enough guile and command to go five or six strong innings with plenty of strikeouts, setting up LA’s deep bullpen.
So who’s got the edge? With the Giants carrying a little extra momentum thanks to their Game 1 win, there’s definitely some swagger on that side. But when you line up the Dodgers’ relentless lineup in their home park, and factor in a future Hall-of-Famer like Kershaw taking the mound, the scales start to tip. The Giants will make it interesting, but I see the Dodgers bouncing back in this one—expect LA to lean on their big bats and Kershaw’s steadiness to even up the series. What’s your gut feeling—are you backing the Giants to surprise again, or is tonight Dodger Blue all the way?
