It's very close between these two teams, despite the inflated spread on the Dodgers. The big-market Dodgers with their dazzling array of super talent are always going to carry a high price. I feel very comfortable taking 1 1/2 runs with the Giants on the run line especially with them being the visitor and thus assured of getting nine innings worth of at bats.

San Francisco is 6-4 at Dodger Stadium this season.

Another reason for this huge price is the Dodgers are pitching Max Scherzer while San Francisco is going with southpaw Alex Wood.

My handicap is on the Giants not against the Dodgers. I certainly respect LA and Scherzer, a worthy Hall of Famer. But the guy is 37 and he did give up 11 runs, 10 of which were earned, during his last two regular-season starts. Scherzer gave up one run on three hits and three walks in 4 1/3 innings against the Cardinals in the Dodgers' wild-card game. Scherzer threw 94 pitches in those 4 1/3 innings.

Lifetime versus the Giants, Scherzer is 4-5 with a 3.84 ERA in 11 starts.

The Giants are an amazing 40-15 in their last 55 road games against a righty starter.

Wood has been solid for San Francisco going 10-4 with a 3.83 ERA in 26 starts. Wood, a former Dodger, has a 3.05 career ERA at Dodger Stadium throwing 250 2/3 innings there.

The Dodgers ranked eighth among National League teams in batting against lefties and were ninth in on-base percentage against southpaws.