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A National League showdown at Dodgers Stadium will be in the works when the Cincinnati Reds take on the Los Angeles Dodgers. Join us for our MLB odds series, where our Reds-Dodgers prediction and pick will be revealed.
It has been an ongoing struggle for a Cincinnati Reds squad that not too long ago saw themselves in the midst of an eight-game losing streak. In the seven games since then, the Reds haven't seen that much more improvement on their way to a 3-4 record. Nonetheless, Cincy is fresh off of a convincing 7-2 win over Los Angeles and will look to take a firm grip in this series with a similar performance. Overall, the Reds are 19-25 and sit 7.5 games behind the Milwaukee Brewers for first place in the NL Central. Getting the start later this evening is projected to be RHP Frankie Montas who is 2-3 with a 4.20 ERA.
On the other side of things, there is no question that the Dodgers' recent performance stings a little, but this is a collection of players that have bounced back time and time again. Prior to last night's lopsided defeat, the Dodgers had won two of their last three. Unfortunately, the Dodgers have happened to hit a bit of a skid with losses in four of their previous seven contest. All together, LA is still an impressive 29-17 on the season and currently boasts a seven-game lead in the NL West. On the mound for game two of this series will be the lefty James Paxton who is a perfect 5-0 with a 2.58 ERA on the season.
Here are the MLB Odds, courtesy of FanDuel.
MLB Odds: Reds-Dodgers Odds
Cincinnati Reds: +1.5 (-130)
Moneyline: +160
Los Angeles Dodgers: -1.5 (+108)
Moneyline: -190
Over: 8.5 (-112)
Under: 8.5 (-108)
How to Watch Reds vs. Dodgers
Time: 10:10 ET/7:10 PT
TV: MLB.TV
Stream: fuboTV (Click for free trial)
Why The Reds Will Cover The Spread/Win
Simply put, the Reds are no strangers in playing as underdogs. Over the course of their last ten games played, Cincinnati has been slated as the underdog in seven of those matchups. Luckily, for Reds bettors, the team has been able to cover the spread in seven of those games during that span. Will the Reds have what it takes to continue their recent success ATS?
All in all, the biggest advantage that Cincinnati will have in this one will be in the form of aggression on the base paths. More specifically, shortstop Elly De La Cruz could not be stopped en route to the Reds blasting the Dodgers by a score of 7-2 on Thursday night. By the time the Dodgers finally called for mercy following the completion of the ninth inning, it was De La Cruz who went a combined 4-4 at the plate and also stole a whopping four bases. One of the fastest players in the game today, the 22-year-old superstar was a thorn in the Dodgers' side all night long en route to recording a career-high in stolen bases. Most likely, it will be incredibly difficult to replicate this type of performance but don't put it past De La Cruz.
Outside of De La Cruz leading the charge offensively, the Reds will need to others to step up against Paxton and an LA pitching staff that remains one of the best in the business. Make sure to keep an eye out for guys like Spencer Steer, Jonathan India, and Tyler Stephenson to make some noise at the plate as well.
Why The Dodgers Will Cover The Spread/Win
On paper, the Dodgers have found themselves in a bit of a funk, but don't expect that to continue for that much longer.
Obviously enough, Los Angeles and its roster is jam-packed with talent starting with their pitching arms all the way down to their premier hitters. At first glance, the Dodgers do have a hefty talent advantage in comparison to the Reds, but just like any other sporting event, the team that shows up and executes will ultimately be the victor.
Most importantly, the Dodgers' main priority in this one will be in the form of their three-headed monster in Mookie Betts, Freddie Freeman, and Shohei Ohtani. Arguably the most feared heart of a lineup in all of the major leagues, these three sluggers are no easy task for opposing pitchers to navigate around. As it stands, Betts is raking a scalding hot .343, Freeman has drawn 28 walks, and Ohtani has mashed 12 home runs already. After going a combined 0-8 on Thursday, don't expect for something similar to occur once again.
Last but not least, the masterful pitching dominance from James Paxton has been something to behold. Having surrendered three runs or less in six of his seven starts on the season, the brilliance of Paxton may be on full display in this one and will also be a big reason why the Dodgers are able to cover the spread.
Final Reds-Dodgers Prediction & Pick
After putting forth an uncharacteristic outing in front of the home fans on Thursday, don't expect that to be the case once again. Take the Dodgers to cover!
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Final Reds-Dodgers Prediction & Pick: Dodgers -1.5 (+108)
