One of baseball’s most intense rivalries is being renewed this weekend in San Francisco. The Dodgers visit the Bay on a seven-game losing streak, including Friday’s 8-7 defeat. It’s a different story for the Giants, winners in seven of their previous ten contests. Can Los Angeles get back on track against its mortal enemy? Below, I’ve laid out my preview, prediction, and best bet for Saturday’s matchup between the Dodgers and Giants.
The Dodgers are favorites (-171) over the Giants, with the over/under set at 8.5 runs. Let’s break down which side has the edge on DraftKings Sportsbook entering today’s contest.
Dodgers vs. Giants prediction, preview
Things have been rough lately in Hollywood. During LA’s recent losing streak, the team is scoring just 2.43 runs per game while giving up 7.57. Still, these are the defending champions; one rough patch doesn’t make the Dodgers ‘frauds’. After all, this offense is still stocked to the brim with talent. Six different regulars in Los Angeles’ lineup have a wRC+ of 100 or greater. That includes Shohei Ohtani (171 wRC+), currently on track for his fourth career MVP award.
Speaking of Ohtani, the two-way superstar is also pitching this afternoon on the mound. The results, albeit in a limited sample size, have been terrific for the right-hander. Through six innings of work, Shohei has allowed just one earned run while striking out six. It remains to be seen whether Dodgers manager Dave Roberts will keep the 31-year-old as a glorified opener. Los Angeles’ relievers have posted baseball’s seventh-worst bullpen ERA (4.42). A longer outing from Ohtani could be in the cards against this subpar Giants offense. This season, San Francisco is averaging the league’s tenth-fewest runs per game (4.17).
Taking the hill for the home team will be Landen Roupp. It’s been a successful first season as a starter for the second-year pro (3.39 ERA). However, he has had difficulty in this spot before. The Dodgers teed off on Roupp in June, tallying six runs in less than two inning against the righty. In three career appearances vs. LA, the 26-year-old owns a ghastly 12.79 ERA. Still, it’s difficult to expect another abysmal outing for the youngster. He’s allowed more than three earned runs in only three outings this season. In July, Los Angeles ranks inside the bottom ten in batting average (.218) and OPS (.644) against right-handed pitching.
Dodgers vs. Giants pick, best bet
Best Bet: Dodgers vs. Giants under 8.5 runs (-113)
Even in a limited appearance, Ohtani’s pitching is much-needed for the Dodgers. However, it’s difficult to back Los Angeles right now as massive favorites. This under likely comes down to Roupp. Considering the righty’s success for most of the season, I’m willing to bet he keeps LA’s offense in check.
