Houston Astros vs
Los Angeles DodgersPredictions & Preview

Houston Astros Poised for Another Victory Against Los Angeles Dodgers with Strong Pitching Advantage

In the second game of a three-game series between the Houston Astros and Los Angeles Dodgers, the Astros are coming off a dominant 18-1 win in the first game. This will be the only series between these two division leaders this season. Framber Valdez (2.72 ERA) will pitch for Houston, while Shohei Ohtani (2.75 ERA) will take the mound for Los Angeles. The game is set to start at 7:15 EST and will be broadcast regionally on FOX. The Dodgers are favored to win with a -137 opening line that has not moved.

Betting Odds

• Moneyline: Astros +120 | Dodgers -137
• Spread: Astros +1.5 (-175) | Dodgers -1.5 (+153)
• Total: Over/Under 8.5 (-110)
• Based on the moneyline, the implied probability that Los Angeles will win straight-up is 58%.

Houston vs Los Angeles Stats

Houston Astros

On Friday, the Houston Astros dominated their first game in the series with a final score of 18-1, solidifying their strong lead in the AL West with seven games ahead of the Mariners. The team has won four out of their last five games leading up to Saturday. Jose Altuve, the Astros' longstanding second baseman turned left fielder, had an impressive performance with five RBIs and two home runs in the victory. Isaac Parades, who hit his 18th home run and 48th RBI on Friday, leads the team in both categories. Christian Walker also contributed four RBIs in the win, bringing his total to 11 home runs and 43 RBIs on the season. Framber Valdez, a 31-year-old left-handed pitcher, will make his 18th start of the season with an impressive 9-4 record. With a power ranking of 3, Houston is currently ranked 18th in offense, scoring an average of 4.22 runs per game, and second in defense, allowing an average of 3.67 runs scored against them per game. They currently hold a season record of 52-35.

Los Angeles Dodgers Analysis

The Los Angeles Dodgers suffered a tough 18-1 loss in the first game of the series, with their pitching staff giving up 20 hits. Despite the embarrassing defeat, the Dodgers still lead their division by eight games over the Padres. Will Smith hit his 12th home run of the season in the game, maintaining a .330 batting average and 45 RBIs. Shohei Ohtani will start on the mound for the Dodgers, also leading the team with 30 home runs and 56 RBIs. Ohtani has not pitched more than two innings in his first three games back. The Dodgers have a power ranking of 10, ranking #1 for offense, #21 for defense, and hold a 56-32 overall record. In their last 3 matchups, Houston went 1-2 against Los Angeles.

Houston Astros Poised for Another Victory Against Los Angeles Dodgers Thanks to Strong Pitching Advantage

The Houston Astros secured a significant victory over the Los Angeles Dodgers on Friday, demonstrating their strong performance. While the margin may not be as wide in this upcoming game, it is likely that Houston will secure another win. The Dodgers are opting to start Ohtani on the mound, a decision that appears to be more experimental rather than strategic given his limited pitching appearances this season. With Ohtani's expected early exit, the Dodgers will have to rely on a bullpen that has struggled, ranking 22nd in team ERA at 4.16. Friday's blowout loss highlighted the shortcomings of their bullpen. In contrast, the Astros will have Valdez on the mound, who has delivered impressive performances in his last two starts against strong opponents. Overall, the Astros appear to have the edge in this matchup. It is recommended to take the Astros to emerge victorious.

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