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The San Francisco Giants and the Los Angeles Dodgers will face off once more to end their two-game mini-series. The Dodgers won a close one Monday night and managed to gain some ground in the NL West. Another win tonight would be huge for Los Angeles, as it would bring them within two games of the division lead. San Francisco needs a win here to help put some distance between them and their hated rival, but that victory won't come easily. It's time to continue our MLB odds series and make a Giants-Dodgers prediction and pick.
Let's see how the bookmakers have set the odds for tonight's matchup.
MLB Odds: Giants-Dodgers Odds
San Francisco Giants ML (+133)
Los Angeles Dodgers ML (-144)
Over 7 1/2 runs (-105)
Under 7 1/2 (-115)
Why The Giants Could Cover The Spread
San Francisco has the privilege of sending their ace out to the mound tonight. Kevin Gausman has been one of the most surprising players in the MLB this season, posting spectacular stats so far. Even more impressive are his stats from his last seven starts. In those games, he's pitched to the tune of a 1.05 ERA and a WHIP of .67. Both numbers are absolutely ridiculous. Gausman has faced the Dodgers only once this season, but it was a great outing. He pitched six scoreless innings and struck out seven.
The guys who will eventually take over for Gausman are also more than capable. The San Francisco bullpen has been solid, if unspectacular all year long. The relievers put together a great outing Monday night, and there's no reason it can't happen again tonight. The Giants didn't even have to deploy their best bullpen arms, so all of their best relievers will surely be available for this huge rivalry matchup.
Why The Dodgers Could Cover The Spread
While the Dodgers may not be sending out their best pitcher tonight, they aren't exactly starting a nobody. Walker Buehler has been fantastic all year long, especially against the Giants. He's made two starts against them, combining for 13 innings and only two earned runs. Of the entire San Francisco lineup, only three hitters are hitting above .250 against Buehler. Star San Francisco outfielder Mike Yastrzemski is also questionable for the game, potentially removing one of the Giants' best hitters from the lineup.
The Dodgers' pitching staff, in general, has been much better when playing in Dodger Stadium, holding an ERA of 2.92 when at home as opposed to a 3.56 ERA when on the road.
The Los Angeles lineup also has reason to believe they can get to Gausman. They hit right-handed pitching far better than they do left-handed pitching, with huge improvements in every batting category when facing righties. Los Angeles also hits slightly better at home than they do on the road.
Final Giants-Dodgers Prediction & Pick
In another huge NL West matchup, I have to stick with the streaking Dodgers. Buehler has been dominant on the mound as of late, and while Gausman is no slouch, Buehler is better. Expect a very close game, but Los Angeles will do just enough to pull out a victory. The under is also in play here, but the Dodgers are a little bit safer.
FINAL PICK: Los Angeles Dodgers ML (-144)
