Chicago Cubs vs. Los Angeles Dodgers Prediction:
The Los Angeles Dodgers are in the driver’s seat in the National League West division race, but they’re after an even bigger prize: the best record in baseball. They look to take a step forward in that quest when they face the Chicago Cubs at home on Monday.
Kyle Hendricks gets the start for Chicago. Hendricks has had a 2024 to forget with a 6.60 ERA, surrendering 1.7 home runs and 2.8 walks per nine innings. He has allowed at least three runs in five of his past eight appearances.
Additionally, Hendricks’ ERA jumps to 7.89 on the road. He has to face a Dodgers lineup that is second in the National League in scoring with nearly five runs per game.
Walker Buehler starts for the Dodgers. Buehler’s recovery from a second Tommy John surgery has not gone well this season. He has a 5.67 ERA with a fielding independent that is even higher at 6.05. He has also allowed 2.2 home runs and 3.3 walks per nine innings.
Entering Sunday, a Dodgers bullpen that stands to likely see plenty of action in this game owned a 4.38 ERA since July 1, ranking 19th in the league.
Since the All-Star Break, both teams have had similar success at the plate. The Dodgers are third in the National League with just over 5.1 runs per game. The Cubs are a close fourth with just under 5.1 runs per game.
After both teams had a tough time scoring in their respective series over the weekend, Monday’s starting pitching matchup should get both offenses back on line.
MLB Pick: Chicago Cubs vs. Los Angeles Dodgers Over 9 Runs
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