Brett Anderson (6-7, 3.43 ERA) and David Holmberg (1-1, 3.06 ERA) take the hill in the third of a four-game series between the Los Angeles Dodgers (65-51) and the Cincinnati Reds (51-63) at Dodger Stadium. The Dodgers won the last game 5-3 and the series is currently tied 1-1. Action begins at 9:10 p.m. ET on Saturday, Aug. 15 and can be seen on FSOH and SNLA.
Anderson pitched 5.0 innings in his last outing, surrendering seven runs, striking out one and walking three in an 8-3 defeat to the Nationals. Justin Turner (.327, 38 Rs, 13 HRs, 46 RBIs, 1 SB) continued his strong play yesterday, going 2 for 3 with one run and two RBIs. Holmberg went 6.2 innings, surrendering two runs, striking out five and walking three in a 2-1 defeat to the Padres in his most recent start. Joey Votto (.305, 65 Rs, 21 HRs, 57 RBIs, 7 SBs) has been successful at the plate for the Reds, going 2 for 4 yesterday with one run, one home run, and three RBIs.
This one isn’t expected to be close when Los Angeles, a big -180 favorite, takes on Cincinnati. The Over/Under (O/U) is sitting at seven runs for this matchup. The Dodgers have an overall money line of -1,124 and a record as the favorite of 57-46. The Dodgers are one of the best in the MLB in terms of home runs with 140. Los Angeles is one of the best in the NL in terms of walks, earning an average of 3.4 per game. Los Angeles’s pitching staff has been doing poorly against opposing offenses during the last 10 games, allowing an average of 5.9 runs per game, well above its season average of 3.7. The Dodgers are the second-best team in the NL at limiting hits during home games, allowing only 8.0 hits per game to their opponents this season.
As for their opponent, Cincinnati is coming in with an overall money line of -1,011 and a disappointing record of 24-42 as the underdog. The Reds are an excellent base-stealing team with an MLB-best 110 stolen bases.
The Dodgers have an 8-12 record against left-handed starting pitchers on the year, which is what they’ll be facing when Holmberg takes the mound. Anderson (LHP) will be on the hill against the Reds, who have a 12-14 record against left-handed starting pitchers.
Predictions: SU Winner – LAD, O/U – Over
Notes
The Dodgers are coming off of a weak pitching game where they recorded six strikeouts. The Reds have a record of 20-26 when opponents’ pitchers have that many strikeouts or fewer.
When they are outhit, the Reds are 8-42. The Dodgers have a 13-37 record when opponents outhit them.
Cincinnati ranks in the top 10 of the league at eighth when it comes to home runs, hitting 124 this season. Los Angeles ranks in the top five at fifth with 140.
Los Angeles and Cincinnati both rank in the top 10 of the league in hits. Los Angeles sits at 10th with 8.47 hits per game and Cincinnati ranks seventh with 8.64.
Ranking 14th, Cincinnati is in the top half of the league for its on-base plus slugging percentage (.717). Los Angeles ranks in the top five at second with an OPS of .759.
The Reds are 22-48 in games where they allow one or more home runs. The Dodgers are 27-36 when they allow at least one homer.
