As the MLB postseason moves into its next stage, it’s going to be difficult to top the drama from the Wild Card Series, which featured a trio of thrilling best-of-three series that were tight into the final innings of the decisive Game 3s. Our MLB experts have dusted off their crystal balls once again to see which teams will survive the best-of-five Division Series format. The votes are in, and in a few places, we have a pretty strong consensus as to which teams will win. Are we right? We’ll find out soon…

Los Angeles Dodgers (3) vs. Philadelphia Phillies (2)

This is a dream matchup, unfortunately coming one round before the classic best-of-seven format that would ensure maximum opportunities for Shohei Ohtani, Kyle Schwarber, Mookie Betts, Bryce Harper and the other top players from these star-studded rosters to take center stage. So let’s enjoy these games while they last.

Staff predictions for LA vs. PHI Team Winner Philadelphia Phillies 73% Los Angeles Dodgers 27%

Mitch Bannon (PHI): “These lineups both bang. The rotations hold similar upside. The only significant difference comes in the bullpens. The Phillies have Jhoan Duran, the Dodgers don’t.”

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David O’Brien (LA): “The Dodgers are on a roll after winning their final five regular-season games — and nine of their last 11 — and sweeping the Reds in the Wild Card Series. They’ll have Ohtani to start Game 1. The Phillies have a strong lineup, like the Dodgers do, and a solid rotation. But the rotation doesn’t have the injured Zack Wheeler, and that’s enough to give the Dodgers the edge, even with Philly having home-field advantage in the cauldron that is Citizens Bank Park.”

Eno Sarris (PHI): “These teams look like they were built to tussle with each other. Similar strengths and weaknesses. The stars will determine the outcome.”

Katie Woo (LA): “Philadelphia’s unorthodox approach of using three left-handed starters to open the series doesn’t mean much to me, considering those starters are Cristopher Sánchez, Jesús Luzardo and Ranger Suárez.