In a matchup of two teams that lead their respective divisions, the Chicago Cubs and Los Angeles Dodgers will square off in the fourth and final game of the series. The Cubs will be looking to even things up at two wins apiece while the Dodgers hope to take the series and game some ground in the race for the NL West. It's time to continue our MLB odds series and make a Cubs-Dodgers prediction and pick.
Before we get into the teams, let's see how the sportsbooks have set the lines.
MLB Odds: Cubs-Dodgers Odds
Chicago Cubs ML (+170)
Los Angeles Dodgers ML (-180)
Over 8 runs (-112)
Under 8 runs (-108)
Why The Cubs Could Cover The Spread
The Cubs have proven that they can hang with pretty much anyone over the course of the season, including the Dodgers. They'll send out starting pitcher Adbert Alzolay today to try and even the series score.
Alzolay has been a pleasant surprise this season, pitching very solid ball throughout the season. In his last seven games, he's earned himself a 3.96 ERA to go along with a 1.13 WHIP, both decent numbers. He's already faced the Dodgers this year, working through five innings and allowing only two runs.
Los Angeles has also struggled at the plate recently, scoring more than three runs only once in their last six games. Alzolay and the vaunted Chicago bullpen have a decent chance at keeping the Dodgers' bats ice cold in this one.
Los Angeles will be trusting Clayton Kershaw with the start today, a sentence that doesn't carry the same weight it once did. The surefire Hall-of-Famer has regressed over this season, allowing a 3.71 ERA over his last seven games. Kershaw faced the Cubs earlier this season and only finished one inning, getting shelled for four runs in that outing. Chicago also hits left-handed pitching much better than right-handed pitching, providing another advantage to the heavy underdog.
Why The Dodgers Could Cover The Spread
Despite a solid season so far from Alzolay, he is far from a lock for a good pitching performance. One of his biggest flaws is his inability to pitch deep into games, as he rarely goes more than five innings. The Cubs' bullpen is fantastic, but they've been called upon often in this series. Four relievers have pitched in each of the last two games, making fresh arms near-nonexistent in Chicago's bullpen.
To make matters worse for the Cubs' pitching staff, they are statistically much worse on the road. They allow more runs, hits, and walks when playing away from Wrigley Field.
Even better for the Dodgers is the fact that there is a right-handed pitcher facing them. Los Angeles is far better against righties than lefties, sporting better stats in every major hitting category against right-handed pitching.
Final Cubs-Dodgers Prediction & Pick
This should be a very close game. The Dodgers are probably too heavily favored, as expect the Cubs to stay in this game the whole way through. The under is an acceptable play here but roll with Chicago. The odds are great on a game that will be much much closer than everyone expects.
FINAL PICK: Chicago Cubs ML (+170)
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