Los Angeles Dodgers vs. Chicago Cubs: A Highly Anticipated MLB Matchup
In today’s MLB predictions, we’re taking a closer look at the highly anticipated game between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Chicago Cubs. This Dodgers vs Cubs prediction will cover key game details, pitching matchups, and betting odds to help you make informed baseball betting decisions. So, without further ado, let’s dive into the action.
Game Details: Date, Time, and Venue
The Dodgers will face the Cubs on April 21, 2023, at 2:20 PM ET at the iconic Wrigley Field in Chicago, IL. In their last meeting on April 20, 2023, the Dodgers emerged victorious with a 6-2 win over the Cubs.
Betting Odds and Projections
Current betting odds have the Los Angeles Dodgers with starting pitcher Julio Urias as favorites at -172, while the Chicago Cubs with starting pitcher Drew Smyly stand at -156. The over-under for this matchup has not yet been released.
Starting Pitchers: Julio Urias vs. Drew Smyly
Los Angeles Dodgers’ left-handed pitcher Julio Urias has a season record of 3-1, an ERA of 1.90, and a WHIP of 1.014. In his career, Urias has started against the Chicago Cubs six times, with a 1-3 record, a 6.18 ERA, and a WHIP of 1.518. Urias has had an impressive run in the past two seasons, and he started off 2023 on a strong note, despite a challenging outing against the Cubs on Sunday.
On the other hand, the Chicago Cubs’ left-handed pitcher Drew Smyly has an ERA of 4.69, a WHIP of 1.304, and a 1-1 season record. In six starts against the LA Dodgers, Smyly’s record stands at 1-2, with a 5.40 ERA and a WHIP of 1.640. Smyly performed well in his recent game against the Dodgers, earning his first victory of 2023.
Comparing Bullpens: Dodgers vs. Cubs
As for the bullpens, the Dodgers have an ERA of 4.59, while the Cubs’ bullpen ERA is at 3.88.
With this information in hand, we’ll now move on to the second part of our Dodgers vs Cubs prediction, where we’ll analyze hitting performance and other crucial factors that can impact the game. Stay tuned for an in-depth MLB betting breakdown.
Analyzing Team Records and Hitting Performance
In the second part of our Dodgers vs Cubs prediction, we’ll take a closer look at each team’s record and hitting performance to help you make more informed MLB betting decisions.
Team Records: Dodgers vs. Cubs
The Los Angeles Dodgers currently hold a 10-10 record, while the Chicago Cubs are performing slightly better with an 11-7 record.
Hitting Performance: Dodgers and Cubs’ Key Stats
When it comes to hitting performance, the Dodgers have been averaging 5.2 runs per game with a batting average of 0.233 and an OBP of 0.333. However, their performance against left-handed pitchers has been less impressive, averaging 3.8 runs per game.
On the other hand, the Cubs have been performing well offensively, averaging 5.8 runs per game with a batting average of 0.286 and an OBP of 0.349. Against left-handed pitchers, the Cubs’ average increases to 6.4 runs per game.
MLB Betting Model Prediction
According to my MLB prediction model, the Cubs have a 50.06% chance of winning, while the Dodgers have a slightly lower chance at 49.54%. When converting these probabilities into odds, we get a projection of even odds for both teams. This suggests that the game will be closely contested, with value on the Cubs at +156.
Interesting Betting Trends
While betting trends should not be solely relied upon for making MLB predictions, they can provide some interesting insights into the teams’ performance. For example, the Dodgers have lost their last five games against left-handed starters and are 0-4 in their last four road games against left-handed starters. The Cubs, meanwhile, have been performing well at home, with an 11-5 record in their last 16 home games.
Recommended Picks and Best Bets
Although the Dodgers are considered one of the top teams in the league, they’ve had a slow start to the season with a 10-10 record. In contrast, the Cubs have been performing well, particularly against left-handed pitchers. Taking all factors into account, there is value in backing the underdog Cubs at +156. An alternative option to consider is the Run Line of +1.5, with odds differing among sportsbooks.
Recommended Underdog Bet:
- Chicago Cubs +156 (or run line +1.5)
Remember to shop around for the best lines and take advantage of any additional benefits offered by sportsbooks. Always play responsibly, do your own research, and never blindly follow anyone’s picks.
If you’re looking to improve your baseball betting skills, consider signing up for our 30-day email betting course, where you’ll receive daily lessons on sports betting. You can also learn how to create your own MLB betting model spreadsheet. Click the link for the free sports betting course and start making smarter predictions today!
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