Chicago Cubs at Los Angeles Dodgers Betting Preview/Prop Picks
09 July 2022
Today, the Chicago Cubs will continue their series against the Los Angeles Dodgers. So far, the series hasn’t gone well for the Cubs, who are down 0-2.
Ranking third in the NL Central, the Cubs have a record of 34-50, well under the .500 mark. As they face the Dodgers today, they’ll face a strong batting group and the league’s best pitchers.
The Los Angeles Dodgers already have a lead in this series with only a few games left. After today, the Dodgers will have one more against the Cubs before moving on.
They’ve had a strong start and plan to do so again today. It shouldn’t be much of a shock that the Dodgers are favored to win this one. This is especially true since they have a record of 54-29 this season.
Chicago Cubs: Facing Kershaw is a true test for their batters
The Chicago Cubs have an above-average batting group. However, through the first few games of this series, that hasn’t been evident. Prior to their two losses to the Dodgers, the Cubs won two in a row over the Milwaukee Bucks.
As a team, the Cubs have a .247 batting average, which ranks 12th overall. Their on-base percentage of .322 is eighth in Major League Baseball.
These batters will again be put to the test as they face Clayton Kershaw. On the mound for the Cubs is Marcus Stroman, who has been dealing with injuries.
Stroman has a 2-5 record as a starter with an ERA of 5.32. Against the batters of the Dodgers, this doesn’t bode well for Stroman and the Cubs. This is likely why the Dodgers come into this game at -271.
Los Angeles Dodgers: Kershaw on the mound and Betts back
The Los Angeles Dodgers are coming into this one looking to make it six straight wins. Beginning during their series against the Rockies, the Dodgers started this win streak.
They swept the Rockies and are two games away from sweeping the Cubs. The Dodgers also have a significant advantage in terms of batting with a .251 average.
As one of the best teams in Major League Baseball, the moneyline isn’t shocking. They’re also starting Klayton Kershaw tonight, who is 5-2 this season. Kershaw has an ERA of 2.57 over the course of 56 innings.
The bullpen for the Dodgers is deep as well, giving us another reason to take them tonight. Overall, the Cubs can’t keep up with what the Dodgers bring tonight.
Chicago Cubs at Los Angeles Dodgers Betting Preview
We’ve already mentioned that the Dodgers come into this game at -271. Along with that, the Cubs are 0-8 in their last eight games against the Dodgers.
Stroman has struggled the entire season, and with Mookie Betts back in the lineup, Stroman’s in trouble. We don’t see the Cubs being able to pull out a win in this one.
The Dodgers are 5-0 in their last five and have a 28-13 home record. With Kershaw on the mound, the Dodgers should be able to earn another win.
Along with taking the Dodgers -271, we’ll take the under as well. The total has gone under in 10 of their last 15 games this season.
DunkelIndex Free Pick: Los Angeles Dodgers -271, UNDER
Prop Picks
Chicago Cubs (+110) UNDER 2.5 Runs
LA is allowing 3.25 runs per 9 innings on defense, which ranks No. 2 in the league, while limiting teams to an OPS of .633, which ranks No. 3. Scores have gone UNDER in six of the Dodgers’ last eight home games versus the Cubs.
With Dunkel predicting an LA victory by the score of 3-2, take the Cubs (+110) to finish UNDER their Vegas team total of 2.5 runs against the Dodgers.
Clayton Kershaw (+110) UNDER 1.5 Earned Runs
Kershaw has given up 16 earned runs in 56.0 innings pitched this season for an ERA of 2.57, which is tied for No. 2 in the Dodgers rotation. The veteran left hander has given up 6 earned runs in 23.0 innings pitched at home for an ERA of 2.35.
With Dunkel predicting a Dodgers home victory while holding the Cubs UNDER their Vegas team run total, take Kershaw (+110) to finish UNDER 1.5 earned runs against Chicago.
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