Dodgers at Red Sox: Predictions & Top Picks

A few weeks ago it appeared as though the Los Angeles Dodgers were going to run away from the rest of MLB and show everyone why they are a big World Series favorite. They had a spurt winning 15 of 18 games taking over the best record in baseball. Then everything changed on July 4 starting with an 18-1 blowout loss to Houston. Including that game the Dodgers lost 11 of their next 14 tightening the race in the NL West. Looking to get back to their winning ways, the Dodgers visit the Boston Red Sox in a compelling interleague matchup on Saturday, July 26 at Fenway Park in Boston. The game will air on FOX with first pitch set for 7:15 p.m. ET.

Dodgers vs. Red Sox Game Preview

It won’t be easy for the Dodgers to snap out of their funk against one of the top hurlers in baseball. The Sox are scheduled to send Garrett Crochet, who’s tied for the lowest ERA in the American League, to the bump. LA has been one of the most productive teams offensively averaging more than 5.3 runs per game. Led by MVP favorite Shohei Ohtani they are second in the majors in home runs. Ohtani entered Wednesday’s game tied for the second most homers in MLB with 36 and has a .933 OPS. Ohtani is one of eight players on the roster with at least 10 home runs. LA has held its own through a plethora of injuries to the pitching staff. However, it looks like those ailments have finally caught up with them. A bullpen that’s been overused has also been rocked in recent weeks.

If they had a choice the Sox probably wouldn’t have taken a break for the All-Star Game. They won 10 straight and 12 of 13 to get back into the playoff picture. They haven’t been as successful since the stoppage, though, dropping four of their first five games. In the four losses they scored a total of four runs. They beat the Cubs behind a solid outing from Crochet, who allowed just one run with five strikeouts in 6.0 innings. Since trading Rafael Devers in May the Sox have had to manufacture runs. They did enough during their winning streak but relied on strong pitching from their starters and shutdown relief from closer Aroldis Chapman.

Dodgers vs. Red Sox Predictions

He’s not the pitcher he was during his Cy Young Award winning days but Clayton Kershaw has been a welcome addition to a rotation ravaged by injuries. He is 4-1 with a 3.27 ERA in 11 starts. And a gifted southpaw is dangerous against the Sox, who have a losing record against lefty starters. Toss in the fact that Crochet has a 1.06 WHIP and has yielded only 10 home runs in 135.1 innings and runs will likely be at a premium.

Dodgers vs. Red Sox Betting Tips

Despite their issues the Dodgers remain one of the best teams in the majors. They’re winning nearly 58 percent of their games and have the sixth-best road winning percentage. That doesn’t mean they are a profitable team to bet on and when you read some of the baseball tips, you will understand that betting big favorites is not the way to go. This will be an interesting matchup since Boston wins nearly 62 percent of the time at Fenway Park. And Crochet isn’t nearly as dominant at home with a 2-3 record and 2.35 ERA. He’s also given up more home runs at Fenway despite pitching fewer innings.

Dodgers vs. Red Sox Head-to-Head and Key Stats

The Dodgers have had the better of this matchup sweeping last year’s three-game set in LA by scoring a total of 20 runs. The year before LA took two of three in Boston scoring 19 runs. The Sox weren’t exactly wallflowers in those games averaging more than 4.8 runs and the team cashed the OVER five times. Check the latest MLB odds to see the total for Saturday’s game in what should be a pitchers duel. LA needs more innings from its starters to preserve a bullpen that has logged the most innings in the majors. And the group has faltered recently with their ERA ballooning to 4.41. Relievers have blown 15 saves and have a collective .254 batting average against and 1.35 WHIP, which isn’t good for a team with World Series aspirations.