Noah RosensteinUpdated on: October 10, 2024 12:12 pm GMT
Cubs Look to Extend Road Success Against Dodgers in Series Finale
As the Chicago Cubs (75-70) and Los Angeles Dodgers (86-59) prepare to conclude their three-game series Wednesday night at Dodger Stadium, all eyes will be on key players who could significantly influence the game. First pitch is set for 10:10 p.m. ET, and with both teams vying for postseason positioning, the stakes couldn’t be higher.
Series Background and Team Performance
The Cubs are riding an impressive eight-game road win streak and have dominated the season series against the Dodgers, leading 4-1. They recently celebrated a decisive 6-3 victory over Los Angeles, showcasing their ability to compete strongly after a rocky patch earlier in the month.
- Cubs’ Recent Performance: They have experienced streaks of both winning and losing, but their current form suggests they’re finding their rhythm. After losing four of five games, the Cubs have flipped the script and secured back-to-back wins against the Dodgers.
- Dodgers’ Challenges: Despite holding a solid lead in the NL West, the Dodgers head into Wednesday’s game having lost four of their last six. Their recent loss to Chicago raised concerns, especially after committing crucial errors that led to a five-run inning by the Cubs in Tuesday’s matchup.
Key Players on the Radar
Shohei Ohtani: A Force at the Plate
Shohei Ohtani continues to be a standout performer for the Dodgers, boasting a National League-leading .985 OPS. Although his form has dipped slightly with a .250 average in September, he is expected to play a crucial role in keeping the Dodgers competitive. In earlier meetings against Cubs starter Jordan Wicks, Ohtani has secured two hits in three at-bats, indicating a favorable matchup.
Ian Happ: Cubs’ Scoring Threat
Ian Happ has been a pivotal player in the Cubs lineup. Coming off the fresh memory of a strong offensive showing, he’s in prime position to score a run against Bobby Miller, the Dodgers’ struggling pitcher with a 7.79 ERA. Happ’s success rate from the leadoff position has been impressive, and he stands to capitalize on Miller’s deficiencies, having scored 81 runs this season.
Bobby Miller: Dodgers’ Pitching Quandary
The Dodgers rely heavily on young pitcher Bobby Miller, but his performance has been inconsistent. With only two instances of clearing 16.5 outs in his recent starts, the Cubs may find opportunities to exploit any weaknesses in his arsenal, further boosting their chances of victory.
Game Predictions and Betting Insights
As we look towards the betting landscape of the game, analysts are closely examining player prop picks that highlight opportunities for profit.
- Best Bet – Ohtani Over 1.5 Bases (-109): Despite a dip in performance, Ohtani remains a considerable threat at the plate, with over 50% of his hits this season resulting in extra bases. Betting on his ability to hit over 1.5 bases looks promising based on previous encounters against the Cubs.
- Happ Over 0.5 Runs (-113): With the Cubs’ offense firing on all cylinders, there’s strong anticipation surrounding Happ scoring tonight. Given his leadoff position and Miller’s struggles, it’s a plausible wager.
- Miller Under 16.5 Outs (-112): Due to Miller’s underwhelming performance since returning from the injured list, it would be wise to bet against him reaching a high number of outs.
Season Context and Stakes Ahead
The outcome of this game carries additional weight as both teams approach the final stretch of the regular season. The Cubs are still in contention for a Wild Card spot and will need to keep winning to stay in the race. Their impressive road success could serve as a momentum booster in the critical weeks ahead.
On the other side, the Dodgers are looking to solidify their dominance in the NL West as they head toward the playoffs. A win against the Cubs would prevent a rare home series sweep against them—a significant achievement this season.
Looking Ahead
As the 2024 MLB season edges closer to its conclusion, every game matters. Both teams have critical decisions ahead regarding player health, lineup changes, and potential trades to ensure a playoff-ready roster. With key players such as Ohtani and Happ in focus, this game promises to deliver excitement and drama that fans have come to expect.
Wednesday night’s matchup not only outlines the battle between two competitive teams but also sets the stage for players to shine. Can the Cubs maintain their dominance and continue their winning streak, or will the Dodgers rally to avoid being swept at home? The answer will unfold on the diamond at Dodger Stadium.
Recent Related Developments
In addition to their ongoing performance, it’s worth noting that both teams have had evolving rosters due to injuries. Notable injuries, including the Dodgers’ Clayton Kershaw and the Cubs’ Justin Steele, have forced teams to adapt quickly. As they face off Wednesday, both squads will watch closely how these strategic adjustments affect their performances, further complicating predictions and betting lines as both teams aim for playoff contention.
Final Thoughts
Fans can look forward to an exciting ending to this series! Whether you’re cheering for your favorite player or just watching the game for fun, this matchup is really important for both the Cubs and the Dodgers.
