Dodgers ML (-125)
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- Despite decent performances from the rookie, the Cleveland Guardians are 0-4 in Gavin Williams’ last four starts. In addition, the Guardians’ offense has scored two or fewer runs in three of his last four appearances.
- Ryan Pepiot gave up just one run and three hits in 5.0 innings in his season debut against the Miami Marlins last Saturday. The Dodgers pitcher will now look to build on his strong start against a struggling Guardians offense.
- Los Angeles has won nearly 68% of their matchups this season against sub-.500 teams. Since July 5, they have won 16 of 19 games against teams with a losing record.
The Los Angeles Dodgers will visit the Cleveland Guardians on Thursday afternoon in the third and final game of the series. Ryan Pepiot (0-0, 1.80 ERA) will make his second start of the season for the Dodgers, who currently lead the NL West and hold the third-best record in baseball. Meanwhile, Gavin Williams (1-4, 3.02 ERA) is set to take the mound for the Guardians. Let’s take a closer look at this Dodgers vs Guardians matchup and make our best MLB betting picks for this interleague showdown.
Dodgers vs Guardians Betting Pick
Dodgers vs Guardians: Dodgers ML (-125)
Why Bet on the Dodgers To Win:
✅ The Cleveland Guardians have lost four consecutive games with Gavin Williams on the mound. In those four contests, the Guardians’ offense is averaging just 2.0 runs per game.
✅ Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Ryan Pepiot performed quite well in his season debut on Saturday night against the Miami Marlins. Pepiot gave up just one earned run and three hits in five innings en route to a 3-1 victory.
✅ The Dodgers have taken care of business all season long and are 40-19 in 2023 against teams with a losing record. In addition, they are 55-30 against right-handed starting pitchers on the year.
This game will be played at Progressive Field at 3:10 PM ET on August 24, 2023.
Los Angeles Dodgers
The Los Angeles Dodgers enter their Thursday afternoon matchup against the Cleveland Guardians with a 76-48 record. They lead the Arizona Diamondbacks by 11.5 games for first place in the NL West and have the second-best record in the National League. With a little over five weeks remaining in the 2023 MLB regular season, the Dodgers are in great position to reach the playoffs for the 11th consecutive year.
Los Angeles’ offense has been dominant all season long. They currently rank top 3 in the league in runs per game, home runs, slugging percentage, and several other major statistical categories. The Dodgers are led by 7x All-Star first baseman Freddie Freeman, who is hitting a team-best .332 with a .410 on-base percentage. The lead has also greatly benefitted from the play of right fielder Mookie Betts, who leads the team with 34 home runs and 103 runs scored.
Cleveland Guardians
Meanwhile, the Cleveland Guardians are 60-66 on the season and currently sit outside the playoff picture. They trail the Seattle Mariners by 10.5 games for the American League’s third and final Wild Card spot; however, they are fortunate enough to play in the worst division in Major League Baseball this year and trail the Minnesota Twins by just 4.5 games for the top spot in the AL Central.
The Guardians’ pitching staff has helped keep the team afloat so far throughout the 2023 regular season. Led by starting pitchers Cal Quantrill and Tanner Bibee, Cleveland ranks third in the MLB in ERA and has given up the second-fewest home runs (129) in the league. However, the Guardians’ offense has struggled to keep up and is averaging just 4.03 runs per game with a team slugging percentage of .378.
