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The Los Angeles Dodgers and the Chicago Cubs will conclude a three-game series on Wednesday night. It’s time to continue our MLB odds series and make a Dodgers-Cubs prediction and pick.
Chicago will look to close out a three-game sweep of the reeling Dodgers in the finale. Los Angeles has been going through an awful slump, losing eight of their last 10 games coming in. Chicago has seemed to turn a corner as they've won four of their last six games, including the first two of this series. Will the Cubs be able to complete the sweep against Walker Buehler and the Dodgers?
Here’s how sportsbooks have set the opening Dodgers-Cubs MLB odds.
MLB Odds: Dodgers-Cubs Odds
Los Angeles Dodgers -1.5 (+100)
Chicago Cubs +1.5 (-120)
Over 7.5 Runs (-110)
Under 7.5 Runs (-110)
Why The Dodgers Could Cover The Spread
The Los Angeles Dodgers have to be losing their minds right now as they're 2-8 in their last 10 games to date. They've been getting hit around and haven't been able to hit a lick for the better part of two weeks. The two exceptions were eight and 16-run performances against Milwaukee and Cincinnati. The uncharacteristic slump doesn't accurately depict this team as the Dodgers are still fifth in the league in runs per game and fourth in the league in runs allowed per game. With Cody Bellinger close to returning for his club, it's only a matter of time before Los Angeles turns this thing back around.
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The Dodgers will send out Walker Buehler for the finale. Buehler will look to help his club avoid the sweep in his sixth start of the season. The Dodger right-hander is 1-0 on the season with a 3.16 ERA. He has walked two and struck out 31 batters over 31.1 innings of work. With Buehler on the mound, it's no surprise the MLB odds favor the Dodgers in this one. Buehler, however, struggled in his last start against the Reds, allowing five earned runs over 6 1/3 innings of work. He did strikeout 10 batters, which is promising for a strikeout-heavy pitcher that isn't afraid to attack the zone. Although Walker has struggled against Chicago over his career, he will definitely come out attacking the zone against a Cubs team that strikes out 10 times per game in 2021.
Why The Cubs Could Cover The Spread
The Chicago Cubs are 14-16 on the season and have been much better at Wrigley Field this far. The Cubs are currently 10-7 and score roughly 0.7 more runs per game when they play at home. The pitching staff enjoys the Windy City as well as they've allowed under four runs per game when pitching at Wrigley. This team revolves around the play of their big-three in Kris Bryant, Anthony Rizzo, and Javier Baez. All three have started to hit the long ball, which is promising for a Cubs team that will need to get to Walker Buehler and force him out as early as possible.
Chicago will send out right-hander Adbert Alzolay with hopes of completing the three-game sweep. Alzolay finally broke through the win column in his last outing with a six-inning performance against the Braves. Alzolay struck out six batters in the win, which marks his third-straight start with at least six strikeouts. Adbert is currently 1-2 with a 4.71 ERA and 23 strikeouts in 21 innings of work this season. He will make his first career start against the Los Angeles Dodgers in the finale.
Final Dodgers-Cubs Prediction & Pick
With the Cubs being susceptible to strikeouts and the Dodgers not hitting a lick, I like this game to go under the total. Buehler is one of the best strikeout pitchers in the league and exactly the guy you want on the bump to break a slump. Chicago will certainly have their hands full with the hard-throwing right-hander. Both home starts for Alzolay have gone under the total this season. The Cubs right-hander has held his own in the rotation this year and will go right at the Dodgers. The side is a tough call because you know the Dodgers will resurrect themselves at some point with the only question being when.
FINAL PICK: Under 7.5 Runs (-110)
