This Sunday night, the Los Angeles Dodgers (58-41) will square off against the Boston Red Sox (53-44) in what promises to be a pitching duel under the lights. As part of ESPN's Sunday Night Baseball, both teams will be seeking to extend their recent runs of good form, adding extra spice to this interleague matchup.
The Red Sox, currently positioned third in the highly competitive American League East, trail the division-leading Baltimore Orioles by 6.5 games. However, they have been in formidable form on the road, boasting an 11-4 record in their last 15 away games. The Dodgers, on the other hand, are comfortably perched atop the National League West with a commanding seven-game lead over the Arizona Diamondbacks. Recent performances have showcased their strength at home, winning four out of their last five games at Dodger Stadium.
Pitching Matchup
Starting for the Red Sox will be Kutter Crawford, who brings a 6-7 record and an impressive 3.04 ERA to the mound. Crawford's ability to control the game from the pitcher's mound will be pivotal if Boston is to challenge the Dodgers' potent lineup. Opposing him will be Dodgers' starter James Paxton, who holds a 7-2 record with a 4.38 ERA. Paxton's experience and performance under pressure will be critical for the home team.
First pitch is scheduled for 7:10 p.m. ET, and the betting lines are tight. The Dodgers are slight favorites at -120 on the money line, with the over/under for total runs scored set at 9, reflecting the close contest that is expected.
Bats to Watch
For the Dodgers, Freddie Freeman has been a standout performer this season, hitting .293 with 15 home runs and 65 RBIs. Freeman's consistency at the plate was evident in his last game, where he went 2-for-4 and scored two runs. Another key player for the Dodgers is Will Smith, who has a .271 batting average with 15 home runs and 56 RBIs. Smith also showed his prowess recently, going 2-for-4 with a double against the Detroit Tigers on July 14, adding to his 19 doubles for the year.
On the Red Sox side, Rafael Devers has been a powerhouse, boasting a .291 batting average, 23 home runs, and a stellar .961 OPS. Devers' recent form has been equally impressive, with a 2-for-3 performance that included a double and a two-run homer against the Kansas City Royals on July 14. Jarren Duran is another player to watch; he’s hitting .289 with 11 home runs and 44 RBIs, and he has consistently contributed, finishing with two-plus hits in four of the last five games.
Season Trends and Performance
This season, the matchups have been fairly predictable based on top-rated MLB picks, with a record of 52-42. Extending back to the previous season, the accuracy of top-rated run-line picks stands at a remarkable 24-10, yielding a gain of +977 for those bettors.
When it comes to crunching numbers and parsing out how this game might unfold, one must consider the intricate web of player performances, team dynamics, and seasonal trends. The Dodgers, with a staunch home record and a robust batting lineup, will look to maintain their dominance at home. The Red Sox, never a team to shy away from a challenge, will leverage their solid road form to potentially upset the odds.
As the game approaches, fans and analysts alike will be keeping a close eye on every pitch, every swing, and every tactical decision. Sunday night’s game offers not just a contest between two storied franchises but a clash that could have significant implications for both teams as they navigate the critical second half of the season.