Mike Bolsinger (1-0, 1.59 ERA) and Kyle Kendrick (1-4, 7.65 ERA) start in the last of a four-game series between the Los Angeles Dodgers (23-13) and the Colorado Rockies (13-20) at Dodger Stadium. The Rockies won the last game 7-1 and Colorado leads the series 2-1. Action begins at 4:10 p.m. ET on Sunday, May. 17 and can be seen on ROOT-RM and SportsNet LA.
Bolsinger pitched 5.2 innings in his most recent start, surrendering one run, striking out three and walking two in an 11-1 win over the Marlins. Kendrick is 5-7 with a 6.86 ERA when pitching against the Dodgers. He takes on a quality Los Angeles offense which is hitting .267 this season. Nolan Arenado (.289, 16 Rs, 7 HRs, 19 RBIs) went 1 for 4 yesterday with one run, one home run, and two RBIs.
This one isn’t expected to be close when Los Angeles, a big -200 favorite, takes on Colorado. According to the oddsmakers, the Over/Under (O/U) is currently eight runs. The Dodgers have recorded an overall money line of +526 and have shown high-level performance as a favorite this season with a record of 21-11. Los Angeles has had an impressive season against division opponents, earning 16-8 and 16-9 records as the favorite and SU respectively. The Dodgers have seen an uptick in scoring as of late, averaging 6.6 runs during the last 10 games compared to their season average of 5.3 runs per game. The Dodgers have no trouble scoring as they lead the NL in offense with 5.3 runs per game. The Dodgers are one of the best in the NL in terms of hits at home with an impressive 9.6 per game. Los Angeles leads the whole NL in walks, earning an average of 4.1 per game. Turning to the pitchers, opposing offenses that come to Dodger Stadium have been stifled by the Dodgers, who have a team ERA of only 2.66 at home. The Dodgers are the fifth-best team in the league at limiting hits and walks to their opponents, recording a WHIP of 1.16 so far this season. Opponents have consistently been struck out by the Dodgers, who lead the NL in strikeouts per game with 8.9.
In games where it is the underdog, Colorado has a 9-13 record and an overall money line of -715. They played poorly as the underdog over their last 10 games with a 1-7 record, and a 1-9 record SU. The Rockies allow 5.5 runs per game, but does worse whenever another team from the NL West Division is on the schedule. They bring that runs allowed average up to 6.2 against division foes.
The Dodgers have controlled the season series, 6-2. The Dodgers have a great 15-3 record at home (21-10 overall) against right-handed starting pitchers, which is what they’ll be facing when Kendrick takes the mound. Bolsinger (RHP) will be on the hill against the Rockies, who have a 10-14 record against right-handed starting pitchers.
Predictions: SU Winner – LAD, O/U – Over
Notes
For the third time this season, the Rockies registered at least two errors in a game.
The Dodgers are 2-2 in games that go into extra innings. Meanwhile, the Rockies are 1-3 in such matchups.
The Rockies are coming into this game after allowing one walk during their last outing. The Dodgers have a 1-4 record when opponents give up that many walks or fewer.
When they outhit their opponents, the Rockies are 11-4. The Dodgers have an 18-3 record when outhitting opponents.
Ranking 28th, Colorado sits near the bottom of the league in runs, scoring 132 this season. Los Angeles ranks in the top five at third with 185.
Los Angeles ranks at the top of the league when it comes to walks with 144 this season. Colorado ranks at the bottom with 66.
The Dodgers are 20-8 in games where they hit one or more home runs. The Rockies are 10-9 when they hit at least one homer.
