Dodgers vs Marlins Series Preview: Miami Fighting For Playoff Spot
Los Angeles With Massive Lead in NL West
Just when you’re ready to count out the Miami Marlins, they turn things around quickly. A four-game winning streak has moved Miami within a half-game of a wild card berth in the National League. That’s not a problem for the Dodgers, who are on their way to another NL West division title. Los Angeles leads Arizona by 14.0 games in the baseball standings. The Dodgers vs Marlins series preview shows Clayton Kershaw and Jesus Luzardo as the starters in Tuesday’s series opener.
The Dodgers are -151 on Tuesday and the total is 7.5-over (-115). Los Angeles is +110 on the run line, laying the 1.5 runs. The Marlins are -130. Kershaw is quietly having another strong season, bringing a 12-4 record and a 2.48 ERA into the game. The Dodgers are 14-5 when Kershaw starts and 7-3 when he starts on the road. Los Angeles is 8-1 his last nine starts.
Luzardo is 9-8 with a 3.62 ERA for the Marlins. Miami is 16-11 when Luzardo takes the mound and 10-6 when he starts at home. This is his first start against the Dodgers this MLB season. Miami is just 1-4 over his last five starts, which have been against some good-hitting teams. But the Dodgers have to be included in that category.
The Dodgers are No. 10 in team batting average, but No. 2 in runs scored and in home runs. Los Angeles hasn’t gotten the pitching it’s known for, sitting No. 16 in team ERA. But the bullpen has been strong, with the Dodgers converting 40 of 54 save attempts.
The Marlins are getting hits, ranking No. 6 in team batting average. But Miami is No. 28 in runs scored, partly because it lacks power. The Marlins are tied for No. 26 in home runs. Miami is No. 15 in team ERA and have converted 34 of 60 save opportunities.
Tuesday’s Game
Despite their 84-52 record, the Dodgers haven’t fared all that well against left-handed starters. Los Angeles is just 21-20 against left-handed starters. The Dodgers are averaging 5.12 runs compared to 5.81 against right-handed starters. They’re allowing 4.71 runs per game when facing a left-hander compared to 4.28 when facing a right-hander. The Dodgers are 25-14-2 in totals against southpaws this season.
The Marlins are 15-17 against left-handed starters, scoring just 3.38 runs compared to 4.30 runs against right-handers. Miami is 9-23 in totals when facing a left-hander and 53-49-3 when going against a right-handed starter.
The MLB score predictions have the Dodgers winning by 1.2 runs, so there’s a little bit of value in taking Los Angeles and laying the -151 for one of your baseball picks.
Wednesday’s Game
The Dodgers vs Marlins series preview shows Lance Lynn starting for the Dodgers on Wednesday. Lynn is 10-10 on the season with an unsightly 5.81 ERA. But since coming to the Dodgers, he’s gone 4-1 with a 3.57 ERA in six starts. Los Angeles is 5-1 in those starts, losing his last outing to Spencer Strider and the Braves.
The Marlins haven’t named their starter for the game. Braxton Garrett was the logical choice. But Miami is showing him as starting Thursday’s game. Eury Perez is a possibility, although he struggled in his last start. The Marlins may not want him to face the Dodgers, who have feasted on right-handed pitching.
It’s hard to go against Lynn and the Dodgers here. He’s pitched well and the Dodgers should be able to outscore anybody the Marlins send to the mound.
Thursday’s Game
The Dodgers vs Marlins series preview shows the Dodgers haven’t listed a starting pitcher for the finale. Julio Urias was going to start, but Los Angeles left him home after he was arrested for domestic violence charges Sunday night.
Ryan Pepiot or Caleb Ferguson could get the start here. Ferguson makes a little more sense due to being left-handed. Bettors aren’t the only ones aware of Miami’s struggles with left-handed starters. Opposing teams are well aware of how Miami fares against left-handers.
Garrett will start for Miami and he’s 8-5 with a 3.86 ERA. The Marlins are 19-7 when he starts and 10-3 when he starts at home. Miami is 8-5 in totals when Garrett starts at home. The over could be the way to go in this one.
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