Both of these clubs are in a groove right now. The Dodgers have won six of their last seven games, while the Cubs have reigned supreme in their previous five outings. But only one of them can emerge victorious in this four-game series at Wrigley Field. And speaking of which, Game 1 is set to kick off this afternoon. Who do you think will take it?
Read on further for a better look at this National League matchup. You can also check out our preview of another series-opener between the Bucs and Marlins after this.
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Los Angeles Dodgers vs. Chicago Cubs Betting Preview
Where: Wrigley Field, Chicago, Illinois
When: Monday, May 30, 2016, 5:05 PM ET
Line: Los Angeles Dodgers (+130) vs. Chicago Cubs (-140) – view all MLB lines
TV Broadcast(s): WGN, SNLA
Betting on the Los Angeles Dodgers (27-24)
In that game, Wood logged in six innings of two-run ball and delivered a season-high of 13 strikeouts despite getting the no-decision. He’ll definitely be trying to replicate that performance later, needless to say. Wood is 1-1 with a 3.86 ERA across five career games (two starts) versus the Cubs.
As for the offense, expect Adrian Gonzalez to continue delivering the goods at the plate. He’s managed to get at least a hit in all but one of his last eight games. In that stretch, he’s batting .382 along with a double, a homer and six RBIs. Gonzalez also carries a triple-slash line of .402/.472/.554 on the road this year.
Besides him, the Dodgers can also look to Chase Utley for some offensive spark. He’s currently on a six-game hitting streak, and has had a good share of memorable moments against Chicago. Utley is batting .307 throughout 57 career games in this particular matchup.
Los Angeles is 7-3 SU in its last 10 visits to Wrigley Field. The Dodgers are also priced at +190 to win the NL West Division.
Betting on the Chicago Cubs (34-14)
Chicago’s fate is in very good hands with Jason Hammel (6-1, 2.17 ERA) on the mound. He’ll be aiming to notch win No. 7, when he makes his tenth start of the season against the Dodgers this afternoon.
Hammel has been nothing but dominant this year, and his most recent start last Tuesday against the Cardinals was another proof of that. The veteran struck out six batters and yielded just four hits and one run across 7 1/3 innings. Chicago commandingly won that game, 12-3.
One reason for concern, though, is that Hammel has struggled against the Dodgers through this career. He is only 2-6 with an ERA of 4.93, a WHIP of 1.52 and an opponents’ batting average of .280 in this matchup.
That being said, the Cubs, who are second-best in the majors in runs per game (5.66), better have his back. Look to Ben Zobrist and Kris Bryant to take the reins in doing so.
Zobrist is currently on a 14-game hitting streak and is the team’s best hitter with a .351 batting average. He’s yet to face Dodgers’ starter Alex Wood, however.
Bryant, meanwhile, is 1-for-3 lifetime opposite Wood. The 2015 NL Rookie of the Year has also been holding a hot bat, as he’s gone 8-of-19 with a pair of homers and six RBIs in his previous six outings.
Chicago is 7-3 SU in its last 10 home games. The Cubs are also the top favorites (+300) to win the World Series this year.
Writer’s Prediction
Chicago (-140) wins it, 5-1.
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