MLB Total Predictions for Today: Los Angeles Dodgers vs Pittsburgh Pirates | 8/9
- Big Ben Profits
- Aug 9, 2024, 9:05:12 PM
MLB Total Predictions for Today: Los Angeles Dodgers vs Pittsburgh Pirates | 8/9
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Game Summary
The Los Angeles Dodgers are set to host the Pittsburgh Pirates for the opening game of a three-game series at Dodger Stadium on August 9, 2024. The Dodgers come into this matchup with a solid 66-49 overall record, sitting comfortably in first place in the NL West. They have excelled at home with a 35-22 record and lead the National League with a whopping 152 home runs. Star player Shohei Ohtani has been a driving force for the Dodgers, boasting a .302 batting average with 34 home runs and 81 RBIs this season. However, the Dodgers have recently struggled, going 4-6 in their last ten games, with a team batting average of just .224 and an ERA of 4.03. On the other side, the Pittsburgh Pirates are currently third in the NL Central with a 56-58 record. They have managed a respectable 29-27 away from home, showing some resilience as they battle for a playoff spot. The Pirates have also had their ups and downs recently, mirroring the Dodgers with a 4-6 record in their last ten games but with a slightly better batting average of .252. Bryan Reynolds leads the Pirates with 19 home runs and 68 RBIs, making him a key player to watch in this series. This matchup marks the fourth meeting between these two teams this season, and it promises to be a competitive one, especially with both teams looking to bounce back from recent losses. The starting pitchers for tonight's game are Mitch Keller (PIT) with a 10-5 record and a 3.20 ERA, and Jack Flaherty (LAD), who comes in with an 8-5 record and a stellar 2.80 ERA. With both offenses capable of putting runs on the board, the over/under is set at 8 runs, making for an intriguing betting opportunity.
Odds and Betting Lines
| Market | Odds |
|---|---|
| Over/Under | 8 runs |
| Spread | Dodgers -1.5 |
| Moneyline | Dodgers -189, Pirates +158 |
Pitching Probables
| Pitcher | Record | ERA | WHIP | Strikeouts |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mitch Keller (PIT) | 10-5 | 3.20 | 1.19 | 118 |
| Jack Flaherty (LAD) | 8-5 | 2.80 | 0.96 | 140 |
Team Previews
Los Angeles Dodgers
The Los Angeles Dodgers are an offensive powerhouse, leading the National League in home runs and ranking fifth in runs scored overall. Their batting average of .252 reflects their capability to hit for power while driving in runs. The Dodgers' pitching staff has been solid, with a team ERA of 3.79, placing them ninth in the league. Jack Flaherty has been a crucial part of their success on the mound, with a particularly strong performance at home this season. However, injuries have plagued the team, with several key players on the injured list, including Mookie Betts and Max Muncy, which could impact their lineup depth.
Pittsburgh Pirates
The Pittsburgh Pirates have shown resilience this season, especially when they score five or more runs, boasting a stellar 35-11 record in those games. However, they struggle offensively with a team batting average of just .234, ranking them 25th in the league. Bryan Reynolds has been a standout player, contributing significantly with 68 RBIs and 19 home runs. The Pirates’ pitching has also been consistent, with a team ERA of 3.90, placing them 11th in the league. Mitch Keller has been a reliable starter, and his performance against the Dodgers could be pivotal in this matchup.
Team Injuries
Los Angeles Dodgers
| Player Name | Position | Injury | Injury Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ryan Brasier | RP | Calf | Expected to be out until at least Aug 9 |
Pittsburgh Pirates
| Player Name | Position | Injury | Injury Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Carmen Mlodzinski | RP | Shoulder | Expected to be out until at least Aug 14 |
| Colin Holderman | RP | Wrist | Expected to be out until at least Aug 23 |
Betting Trends
- The Dodgers are 6-4 in their last 10 games against the Pirates.
- Pittsburgh is 4-6 in their last 10 games overall.
- The total has gone over in 6 of the last 10 games for the Pirates.
- Los Angeles has hit the over in 5 of their last 10 home games.
Recent Games
Los Angeles Dodgers
| Opponent | Score | W/L |
|---|---|---|
| vs Philadelphia | W5-3 | W |
| vs Philadelphia | L6-2 | L |
| vs Philadelphia | L9-4 | L |
| @ Oakland | W10-0 | W |
| @ Oakland | W3-2 | W |
Pittsburgh Pirates
| Opponent | Score | W/L |
|---|---|---|
| vs San Diego | L7-6 | L |
| vs San Diego | L9-8 | L |
| vs San Diego | L6-0 | L |
| vs Arizona | W4-2 | W |
| vs Arizona | L9-8 | L |
Team Rankings
| Team | Hitting Rank | Starting Pitching Rank | Relief Pitching Rank | Fielding Rank |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles Dodgers | 11th | 9th | 4th | 21st |
| Pittsburgh Pirates | 25th | 11th | 15th | 12th |
Significant Betting Stats
- Dodgers are 35-22 at home this season.
- Pirates are 29-27 on the road.
- Los Angeles has hit the over in 61 of their last 114 games.
- Pittsburgh's record improves to 35-11 when scoring 5+ runs.
- Dodgers have a home run rate of 21.1%, leading the NL.
- Flaherty has a WHIP of 0.96, making him one of the best pitchers in the game.
- Keller has a solid 3.20 ERA, but has struggled against power-hitting teams.
- Dodgers have outscored opponents by an average of 1.54 runs per game at home.
- Pirates’ last 10 games have averaged 10.4 total runs.
- Dodgers are 22-10 against teams with losing records this season.
Weather
Mostly sunny with a temperature of 78°F.
Prediction
Given the offensive capabilities of both teams and their recent trends, I’m leaning towards the over in this matchup. The Dodgers have the potential to score heavily, especially with their home field advantage and Keller on the mound, who has shown vulnerability against powerful lineups. The Pirates, while struggling offensively, have demonstrated the ability to score when it matters. With the total set at 8 runs, I expect both teams to contribute to a high-scoring affair.
Pick: Over 8 runs
