Dodgers vs. Brewers: Prediction, Betting Odds For 2018 NLCS Game 7

It's been a season of "down-to-the-wires" in the National League, as both the Milwaukee Brewers and Los Angeles Dodgers needed a Game No. 163 to decide their divisions. That trend continues into Saturday night at Miller Park, as the two teams meet in Game 7 of the NL Championship Series.

The Brewers, who are seeking their first trip to the World Series since 1982, staved off elimination Friday with a 7-2 victory over the defending NL champions. The Brewers got a big lift from first baseman Jesus Aguilar, but once again were supported by their tough and deep bullpen, which is expected to figure prominently Saturday.

"Anybody, anywhere, anytime," reliever Corey Knebel said. "We're ready to go."

On the mound in Game 7 will be right-handers Walker Buehler for Los Angeles and Jhoulys Chacin for Milwaukee in a rematch of Game 3. Buehler, a rookie, allowed four earned runs over seven innings, while Chacin shut out the Dodgers over 5 1/3 innings in the Brewers' 4-0 win.

How long both Buehler and Chacin stay on the mound in Game 7 will be a major point of contention. The Dodgers have been more inclined to rely on their starters, while the Brewers have preferred to go early to their bullpen.

Brewers star reliever Josh Hader and Dodgers closer Kenley Jansen seem certain to pitch in Game 7. It may not be surprising to see Dodgers ace Clayton Kershaw, who started Game 5, make an appearance. The three-time Cy Young winner earned a save in the deciding Game 5 against the Washington Nationals in 2016.

Oddsmakers like the Dodgers to win. According to Vegas Insider, Los Angeles is favored at -112 odds, while Milwaukee is the underdog at +102. The over/under is 7.5 runs.

Sportsbooks have favored the Dodgers in every game of the series.

Entering the series, betting site 5Dimes listed the Dodgers as the favorite to advance at -150 odds, while the Brewers were the underdogs at +130.

The Brewers have outscored the Dodgers in the series, 23-18.

The winner will travel to Boston to face the Red Sox on Tuesday in Game 1 of the World Series.

Prediction: This will likely be another tactical bullpen battle and both managers Dave Roberts and Craig Counsell will almost certainly not hesitate to pull their pitchers at any point. The Dodgers' bats are due for a better performance but the Brewers are at home and appear to have the stronger pitching staff for a Game 7.

Brewers over Dodgers, 5-3