Always Prospering Media

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Well, in the last round, I went two for four with picks. I want to first issue an apology to the Arizona Diamondbacks, who I completely disrespected and they absolutely dominated the West Division champs, the Dodgers. They lit up Los Angeles’ starters beginning in Game 1 against Clayton Keyshawn en route to an 11-2 lopsided victory. In Game 2, Arizona chased Bobby Miller after just 1.2 innings. The D-Backs posted four hits and three runs in the first and that was all she wrote for Miller’s outing. They went on to win Game 2 in LA 4-2. They won Game 3 as well back at home to complete the sweep by the same score as they won in Game 2. As far as the other three series, I nailed Houston’s victory in four games and I also correctly picked the Phillies to once again defeat Atlanta. However, I missed on the Orioles winning their division series against Texas. Don’t get me wrong, I thought Texas would give the O’s problems, I did pick the series to go the distance. I just didn’t believe they would win both games in Camden Yards but Texas’ offense showed up, lighting up Baltimore pitching in Games 2 and 3. As we look to the final rounds before the Fall Classic, this is who I like to win and face off for the World Series. 

Texas vs. Houston

In this series, we have divisional rivals facing off to determine who will represent the state of Texas against the National League. Houston has been in the LCS for seven consecutive years and Texas is new to this round of the playoffs. However, I am going to get right to my pick on this one, and then explain how I got to my conclusion. I like Texas in 6 games. Now, I know this article will be coming out late (I was busy over the weekend), so you’ll just have to take my word that I liked the Rangers before Game 1. Texas is red hot right now, they literally haven’t lost in the playoffs and here is the key in my opinion: Not only have they not lost, they have been road underdogs twice against two of the best teams in the AL. Another thing worth noting, the Rays and Orioles are both certainly better than the Minnesota Twins, who the Astros defeated in the previous round. The Rangers are playing better baseball right now, and have defeated better opponents in hostile environments and when you get to the postseason, all that matters is who is playing the best baseball in October. We saw that with the Phillies a year ago. Texas in 6 games. 

Arizona vs Philadelphia

Speaking of those Phillies we saw a year ago, deja vu? We are literally rewatching what happened last year. The Phillies started in the Wild Card and have roared back into the LCS where this time, they will be the home team as a result of their lower seeding. They once again vanquished the best team in baseball during the regular season in Atlanta. They did so in the same fashion as last year, taking one on the road and completely overwhelming the Braves at Citizens Bank Park where Red October is very much alive and well. I said previously that I didn’t want to disrespect the Diamondbacks again but I am sorry, the Phillies are built for this. Bryce Harper is built for this. He’s batting .368 and is a lightning bolt of energy every time he steps in to the batter’s box. Trae Turner is built for this: He is batting a scorching .500 in the postseason. By the way, Nicky Castellanos?? Built for this. He is batting 7th in Philadelphia’s lineup and is batting just under .400 and hitting the ball into the left field seats at will. Arizona is scrappy but it just feels like it’s meant to be. Philadelphia is going to be an extremely difficult place to win and the Phils are clicking at the right time. I like the Phillies to win in 6 games and take on Texas to win it all. 

written by Andrew Petrino.