The National League’s best two offenses are set to face off at Wrigley Field on Thursday as the Chicago Cubs (11-6) host the Los Angeles Dodgers (9-10) for the opener of a four-game series. The Dodgers are kicking off a seven-game road trip after wrapping up a rough six-game homestand (2-4).
They won only one out of three in their last series against the Mets, dropping the finale 5-3 on Wednesday at Dodger Stadium. David Peralta was 1 for 3 with a home run and two RBIs. The Cubs are back home for a seven-game homestand after concluding a successful six-game road trip (5-1).
They are coming off a three-game sweep of the Athletics, taking the finale 12-2 on Wednesday at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum for their fourth straight win. Ian Happ went 2 for 4 with two doubles, two runs, and one RBI.
HEAD-TO-HEAD
The Cubs have won two of three in the season series between the teams, including a 3-2 victory in their most recent meeting on Sunday at Dodger Stadium. Drew Smyly got the win, allowing one run on four hits over 5.2 innings, and Brad Boxberger struck out the side in the ninth to pick up his first save of the season.
ON THE MOUND
Michael Grove (0-1, 9.00 ERA) is in line to get the start for Los Angeles. The righty is matched up against the Cubs in back-to-back starts. He allowed one run over 5.2 innings on Saturday, a 2-1 road win. He gave up two hits while striking out six and walking two in the no-decision.
RHP Jameson Taillon (0-2, 4.50 ERA) will toe the rubber for Chicago. His only prior start against the Dodgers this season was his last time out, when Taillon held opposing hitters scoreless over five innings in a 2-1 road defeat on Saturday. He gave up two hits and walked two, while striking out seven in the no-decision.
AT THE PLATE
The Los Angeles offense is averaging 5.2 runs per game for the season, second best in the NL, with a slash line of .232/.333/.463. Four Dodgers hitters have an OPS of .800 or better, led by James Outman (1.031). The right fielder is slashing .277/.414/.617 with three home runs, 10 RBIs, and 10 runs over 19 games.
Over the last five games, though, Los Angeles has averaged only 3.6 runs a game while slashing worse across the board (.221/.302/.387). Against right-handed pitchers like Taillon this season, the Dodgers have ann .805 OPS, fourth highest in the league.
Will Smith is the team’s most potent producer against right-handers with a 1.200 OPS in 34 at-bats. Chicago is slashing .289/.347/.446 for the season and averaging 5.8 runs per game, third best in MLB. Four Cubs hitters have an OPS of .800 or better, led by Patrick Wisdom (1.139).
The shortstop has eight home runs, 15 RBIs, and 15 runs scored with a slash line of .288/.351/.788. The Cubs have a .767 OPS against right-handers in 2023. With a 1.190 OPS over 42 at-bats, Happ has been their best hitter against right-handers.
HOME AND AWAY
Los Angeles is 3-4 in away games in 2023, scoring 5.9 runs per game while allowing 6.0 runs. Chicago has gone 5-4 at their home ballpark this season, averaging 4.8 runs per game while surrendering 4.3. Chicago is 6-4 in the last 10 games between the teams at Wrigley Field with an average scoreline of 3.9-3.9.
SportsTips’ MLB Pick:
LA Dodgers (-105)
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*Odds correct at time of publication, courtesy of BetMGM.
