No more excuses for the reigning world champs, one has to think. After a backbreaking extra-innings loss last night that saw them blow a four-run lead in two-plus innings, the Los Angeles Dodgers are myopically focused on one thing: redemption. redemption tonight. Matthew Boyd and the Cubs are gonna see if they can keep the good times in Wirgleyville rolling. Below, I’ve got my preview, prediction, and best bet for this Wednesday baseball game between the Cubs and the Dodgers.
Here’s how I’ll play it. I’ll be pumping out these predictions for individual games all season, with plenty of coverage here on DraftKings Network. Follow my handle @dansby_edits for more betting plays.
Cubs vs. Dodgers prediction, preview
Just what in the world is happening during this Chicago Cubs homestand? Two erasures of four-run deficits in a matter of five days in front of a pleasantly-stunned crowd. Whatever it is for the Cubs, it’s real; their .806 OPS leads the league.
The Los Angeles Dodgers, however, are bouncing back in a big way tonight After that hard-fought 11-10 extra-innings loss on Tuesday, this team knows exactly what’s at stake. With the bullpen standing tall this season—3.67 ERA, 12th in the league—the Dodgers will shut down a Cubs offense that has shown flashes but isn’t built to handle elite bullpen depth in crucial moments. The bullpen is ready to put the Cubs in their place late in this game. Even though they blew up last night, advantage goes to LA for bullpen depth in high-leverage innings.
L.A.’s offense is relentless. They’ve smacked 39 home runs, ranking second in the NL, and they’ve shown they can generate runs from every part of the lineup. Shohei Ohtani is in his prime already, with six home runs and five stolen bases, and Tommy Edman looks like the 2024 World Series MVP of the regular season already, with eight home runs and 19 RBIs. This team knows how to produce, and despite Boyd’s solid season, he won’t stop them tonight. He allowed three earned runs in his last outing against them, and the Dodgers are primed to take advantage of Boyd’s inefficiencies in this rematch. What they know of Boyd’s arsenal might be their best asset tonight in exacting revenge.
The Cubs might be coming off a win, but last night was already taxing for a bullpen that has struggled all season with a 5.34 ERA. Remember, behind every massive double-digit-to-double-digit Cubs win is an implosion somewhere on the mound. Unlikely to come from the starter tonight, because Boyd’s xFIP supports his solid ERA. He is, however, coming off back-to-back losses. Important. His margin for error will be razor-thin against a lineup like L.A.’s. The Cubs simply don’t have enough to compete over nine innings, especially in the later stages when their bullpen is exposed and gassed.
Dodgers vs. Cubs pick, best bet
Betting trends also favor L.A. The Dodgers have won 10 of their last 10 Wednesday games and are 5-1 in their last six games following a loss. The Cubs, on the other hand, have lost eight of their last eight Wednesday games against National League opponents with a winning record. The Dodgers have covered the run line in 11 of their last 13 night games after going to extra innings, and they’ll add another cover tonight against a Cubs team that’s about to get put in its place a bit.
So, yes—the Dodgers are the play here. With superior pitching depth, an offense that can become a three-run home run at any moment, and the edge in virtually every category, L.A. evens the series with ease.
Best bet: Dodgers (-105) at Cubs
Dodgers get right on the road; tail it with me in the DKN Betting Group here!
