Daniel Matthews
Updated on: October 9, 2024 8:39 am GMT
Series Overview: Chicago Cubs vs. Los Angeles Dodgers
The Chicago Cubs (73-70) are set to face off against the Los Angeles Dodgers (86-57) in a critical three-game series at Dodger Stadium starting Monday at 10:10 p.m. ET. This matchup marks the first meeting between the two teams since April 7, when the Cubs triumphed 8-1 at Wrigley Field. This series comes at a crucial point for both teams as the Cubs continue their pursuit of a Wild Card spot, sitting five games behind in the National League standings.
Historical Context: Past Encounters
The two teams last met 155 days ago, and their recent history indicates a competitive rivalry. In the 2022 season, the Cubs managed to win two out of three games during their visit to Dodger Stadium, marking the first series win there for Chicago since 2014. Historically, the Cubs have struggled at Dodger Stadium, winning only six out of 25 games over multiple seasons, highlighting the significance of this series for Chicago.
Notable Changes in Lineups
Both teams have experienced significant changes since their last matchup. The Cubs’ relief pitchers from the April game are no longer with the team, as they are either on the injured list, playing in Triple-A, or traded away. Similarly, the Dodgers’ roster has changed, losing key contributors through trades as well. These shifts may impact the strategies of both teams entering this series.
Game Previews: Starting Pitchers
Monday’s Matchup: Kyle Hendricks vs. Walker Buehler
In the opener, Kyle Hendricks (3-11, 6.60 ERA) will take the mound for the Cubs against the Dodgers’ Walker Buehler (1-4, 5.67 ERA). Hendricks has struggled this season, posting a high WHIP of 1.514 and allowing a .291 expected batting average. He has not had a favorable history against the Dodgers, giving up five runs in his previous start against them this season.
Tactics and Expectations
Buehler, despite returning from injury, has faced difficulties as well, particularly during his recent outings where he has allowed a high expected batting average and slugging percentage. Both pitchers enter the game under pressure to perform, which may lead to higher scores than usual. This matchup could see aggressive hitting from both sides, making it essential for the Cubs to capitalize on any pitching mistakes by the Dodgers.
Offensive Trends: Team Performance
Both the Cubs and Dodgers have shown improvement in their offensive play in recent weeks. Over the last 14 days, the Cubs rank sixth in wRC+, highlighting their ability to generate runs consistently. They are batting .268, partially due to improved contact rates. However, the Cubs have also exhibited issues with strikeouts, possessing the lowest isolated power in the league over that span.
Dodgers’ Resilience
On the other hand, the Dodgers have stabilized their performance following a rough patch in July. Since August 1, they have maintained a record of 23-11, showing resilience and strong offensive capabilities. With stars like Shohei Ohtani and Mookie Betts in the lineup, the Dodgers possess the potential to exploit Hendricks’ vulnerabilities and score significantly.
Game Predictions: Odds and Betting Insights
According to BetMGM Sportsbook, the Dodgers are favored to win, especially considering their recent success and home-field advantage. Betting trends suggest a strong likelihood of high scoring, leading experts to recommend taking the Over on the total runs expected in the game.
Focused Bets
- First Five Innings Over 5.5: Given both starters’ struggles, this bet takes advantage of the potential for an early run explosion.
- Shohei Ohtani Over 1.5 Hits: With Ohtani’s recent form and Hendricks’ struggles, this player prop is anticipated to yield returns.
- Dansby Swanson to Get 1+ Hits: Swanson has been consistent at the plate, making him a candidate for this prop bet.
Looking Ahead: Series Implications
The outcome of this three-game series has significant implications for both teams as they navigate through the closing weeks of the season. For the Cubs, solidifying their position in the Wild Card race is critical, while the Dodgers seek to maintain their lead in the National League standings. The performance in this series could be pivotal for their respective postseason aspirations.
Road Ahead for Both Teams
After this series, the Cubs will have a day off before facing the Colorado Rockies, while the Dodgers will look to further their momentum into their upcoming matchups. The stakes are high, and both teams need to capitalize on every opportunity presented during this crucial stretch of the season.
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