Brandon McCarthy (2-2, 2.76 ERA) gets the start for the Los Angeles Dodgers (61-49) as they go up against David Price (9-7, 4.30 ERA) and the Boston Red Sox (60-49) in the last of a three-game series at Dodger Stadium. The Dodgers won the last game 3-0, and the series is currently tied 1-1. The game starts at 7:10 p.m. ET on Sunday, Aug. 7 and will air on NESN and SNLA.
In his last start, McCarthy pitched 3.0 innings, allowing three runs (one unearned), striking out two and walking five in a 7-3 loss to the Rockies. Corey Seager (.303, 71 Rs, 19 HRs, 52 RBIs, 1 SB) went 1 for 4 yesterday with one RBI. The Red Sox were also unsuccessful the last time Price pitched. He did not do well, pitching 7.0 innings, allowing four runs and striking out five in a 5-4 loss to the Mariners. Mookie Betts (.310, 85 Rs, 23 HRs, 73 RBIs, 17 SBs) has been doing well, going 2 for 4 yesterday.
Los Angeles, a +109 underdog, will look to capitalize at home against Boston. The matchup currently has a seven-run Over/Under (O/U). The Dodgers have a losing record of 7-19 when playing as the underdog and an overall money line of -237. They have not performed well against the American League, earning a SU record of 7-9 and a 2-4 record when they were the underdog. Los Angeles’s pitching staff has fallen apart in the past 10 games. Its average runs allowed per game rose to 4.9 during that span, compared to its 3.8 season average. The Dodgers are second in the league in WHIP at 1.131.
Switching to the opposing dugout, the Red Sox come into this game with a win percentage of .551 when playing as the favorite (43-35) and an overall money line of -441. Against teams in the National League, they are 9-4 SU and have played well as the favorite with an 8-3 record. The Red Sox will be looking to pick it up in this one after recent offensive struggles. In their 10 most recent games, Boston’s run production has dropped to 3.3 runs per game, compared to 4.3 for the duration of the season. The Red Sox are known for their bats, hitting a league-leading 404 extra base hits. The Red Sox are one of the top AL pitching staffs on the road, essentially shutting down opponents to the tune of four runs allowed per away game. They also allow just 7.9 hits per road game, the best in the AL.
The Dodgers will take on a left-hander (Price) in this game and have a 13-14 record against left-handed starting pitchers this season. The right-handed McCarthy will take the mound against the Red Sox, who have a 47-36 record against righty starters this season.
Predictions: SU Winner – BOS, O/U – Over
Notes
When leading after seven innings, Los Angeles is 22-16, while Boston is 30-22.
The Red Sox didn’t score any runs in their last game. The Dodgers have a 10-0 record when they don’t allow any runs.
When they outhit their opponents, the Dodgers are 45-13. The Red Sox have a 53-14 record when outhitting opponents.
Ranking first in runs, Boston has earned 593 this season. Los Angeles ranks 19th with 476 runs.
Los Angeles and Boston both rank in the top 10 of the league in walks. Los Angeles sits at ninth with 365 this season and Boston ranks eighth with 371.
When the Dodgers hit at least one home run, they are 45-26. When the Red Sox hit at least one homer, they have a 49-35 record.
