Tale of the Tape: Dodgers-Cards, Game 3
A breakdown of lefty Ryu vs. righty Lackey for their NLDS matchup
Hyun-Jin Ryu, Dodgers
Against the Cardinals
2014: 1 GS, 0-1, 3.86 ERA
Career: 2 GS, 1-1, 1.93 ERA
Loves to face: Jon Jay, 1-for-8, 2 K
Hates to face: Yadier Molina, 2-for-6, HR
Game breakdown
Why he'll win: Ryu tossed seven scoreless innings against the Cardinals in last year's National League Championship Series, allowing just three hits.
Pitcher beware: Ryu hasn't pitched since Sept. 12 due to left shoulder inflammation, though he did bounce back from a similar injury earlier in the season just fine.
Bottom line: As long as he's healthy, Ryu should continue to be a tough matchup for the Cardinals.
John Lackey, Cardinals
Against the Dodgers
2014: Did not face the Dodgers in 2014
Career: 11 G, 10 GS, 5-3, 1.93 ERA
Loves to face: Matt Kemp, 2-for-13, 7 K
Hates to face: Carl Crawford, 23-for-48, 2 HR
Game breakdown
Why he'll win: Lackey has an impressive postseason resume. He's won two World Series clinchers and has a 6-5 record and a 3.03 ERA in October.
Pitcher beware: Crawford has owned Lackey. He's hitting .479 with three doubles, a triple, two homers and nine RBIs lifetime vs. the righty.
Bottom line: Lackey ended the Cardinals' season with a win in Game 6 of the World Series last year as a member of the Red Sox. Now the club hopes he can continue his postseason success while wearing Cardinals Red.