The battle of Los Angeles will kick off tonight as the Los Angeles Dodgers will host their crosstown rival, the Los Angeles Angels, in the first game of their three-game series.  It’s time to continue our MLB odds series and make an Angels-Dodgers prediction and pick.

The Dodgers are in second place in the National League West despite having a 65-44 record.  Meanwhile, the Angels are fourth place in the competitive American League West but have recently fought back and are now one game above .500 with a 55-54 record. 

Here's how sportsbooks have set the Angels-Dodgers Odds.

MLB Odds: Angels-Dodgers Odds

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Los Angeles Angels +1.5 (-115)

Los Angeles Dodgers -1.5 (-105)

Over 8.5 runs (-107)

Under 8.5 runs (-113)

Why The Angels Could Cover The Spread

The Angels are 49-60 against the run line this season. That number only gets worst if they are coming off a win in their previous game. After a win, Joe Maddon and his men only cover 37.7% of the time, which is the worst in the MLB under such circumstances.

Los Angeles plans to start Patrick Sandoval on the mound. The lefty is 3-5 in his 12 starts and has an ERA of 3.38. In his last time out, the 24-year-old threw 5.5 innings, surrendering just one earned run while giving up four hits.

Much of the Angels' recent success has come from their batting lineup. As a team, they are fifth in the majors in batting average, hitting .254. They are also fourth in the league in hits with 947 and have 141 home runs collectively.

Whenever you have a player like Shohei Ohtani, you like your chances to come out on top. According to ESPN Stats and Info, Ohtani became the first player in MLB history to hit 37 homers and steal 15 bases before the end of July.

However, recently Ohtani has not been the only heavy hitter for the Angels. Adam Eaton and Jack Mayfield have both connected for a home run in the last few games.

We have come to expect greatness out of Ohtani, but the Los Angeles Angels will need strong performances from the rest of their lineup and for Sandoval to keep the game in reach to have a chance at upsetting their crosstown rival.

Why The Dodgers Could Cover The Spread

Despite the Dodgers having one of the best records in the league, they are only 52-57 against the run line.

Dave Roberts plans to give former Cy  Young award winner David Price his eighth start of the season. The left-hander is 4-1 this season and has a 3.55 ERA. In his last start, he gave up three earned runs on four hits in five innings pitched.

The Dodgers have one of the most potent lineups in the MLB. They are number one in the league for run differential at +164. Moreover, Los Angeles has six position players with an OPS+ of 130 or better.

Individually, Max Muncy has the most power on the team with 22 home runs. However, Justin Turner is the most consistent hitter with a team-leading 109 hits and 65 RBIs.

The Dodgers will just need to do what they have done season long to defeat the Los Angeles Angels and to continue pushing for that number one spot in the NL West.

Final Angels-Dodgers Prediction & Pick

The Angels have the best player in baseball, but the Dodgers might very well have the best team. Additionally, despite Sandoval pitching well for the Angels, he has lost three of his last four decisions and has a 5.25 ERA against the Dodgers in his career.

For those reasons, the Dodgers will continue their strong play at home and cover the run line in the series opener.

FINAL ANGELS-DODGERS PREDICTION & PICK: Dodgers -1.5 (-105)