This Sunday night, the Los Angeles Dodgers (58-41) will go head-to-head against the Boston Red Sox (53-44) in what promises to be a riveting encounter at Dodger Stadium. The Red Sox, currently sitting third in the American League East, find themselves trailing the division-leading Baltimore Orioles by 6.5 games. Their recent form on the road, boasting an 11-4 record in their last 15 away games, suggests they are not going to be an easy opponent for the Dodgers.
On the other hand, the Dodgers are comfortably seated atop the National League West, holding a seven-game lead over the Arizona Diamondbacks. With four wins out of their last five games at Dodger Stadium, they have shown strong form at home and will be looking to maintain that momentum.
Pitching Matchup
This game will feature an intriguing pitching matchup. For the Red Sox, Kutter Crawford will take the mound. Crawford has compiled a 6-7 record and a commendable 3.04 ERA this season, indicating a steady performance. Meanwhile, the Dodgers will counter with James Paxton, who holds a 7-2 record but a higher ERA of 4.38. Both pitchers have had their moments this season, and their performance could be pivotal in determining the outcome of this contest.
Game Time
First pitch is scheduled for 7:10 p.m. ET. The Dodgers are slight favorites with odds set at -120 on the money line. The over/under for total runs scored in the game stands at 9, reflecting the offensive capabilities of both teams.
Key Players to Watch
For the Dodgers, Freddie Freeman remains a critical offensive contributor, hitting .293 with 15 home runs and 65 RBIs. Will Smith also provides solid support with a .271 batting average, 15 home runs, and 56 RBIs. Their consistent performances will be crucial in ensuring the Dodgers' continued success.
On the Red Sox side, Rafael Devers has been an outstanding performer with a .291 batting average, 23 home runs, and a .961 OPS. Jarren Duran has also been impressive, hitting .289 with 11 home runs and 44 RBIs. These players will undoubtedly be key to the Red Sox's offensive efforts against the Dodgers.
Betting Insights
The matchups this season have a record of 52-42 based on top-rated MLB picks, indicating a competitive season. Additionally, top-rated run-line picks extending back to the previous season stand at an impressive 24-10, offering some insight for bettors looking to place their wagers.
Overall, Sunday's game is set to be an exciting clash between two well-matched teams. With both teams demonstrating strong recent form and featuring key players in good touch, fans can expect a thrilling encounter under the lights of Dodger Stadium.