Match Preview
The Boston Red Sox and Los Angeles Dodgers close their three-game interleague series Sunday, August 2, at Dodger Stadium. First pitch is scheduled for 7:20 p.m. Eastern, with rookie left-hander Jake Bennett expected to start for Boston against Dodgers right-hander Emmet Sheehan.
Bennett enters with a 6–4 record, a 2.74 ERA and 46 strikeouts. Sheehan carries a 4–7 record with an ERA around 4.95, giving Boston a meaningful advantage in the starting-pitching matchup.
The Red Sox have already secured the series after winning Friday’s opener and defeating Los Angeles again Saturday behind two home runs from Ceddanne Rafaela. Boston enters the finale with considerable confidence and an opportunity to complete an impressive road sweep.
Los Angeles remains extremely dangerous at home and has the deeper collection of established stars. However, the Dodgers have not received enough dependable pitching during the series, and Sunday’s matchup against Bennett does not provide an obvious bounce-back advantage.
Boston has the hotter lineup, the better starting pitcher and the momentum created by consecutive road victories. The Red Sox are our preferred moneyline selection.
Boston Red Sox Analysis
Jake Bennett gives Boston a strong foundation for Sunday’s pick. His 2.74 ERA demonstrates dependable run prevention, and he has allowed three runs or fewer in each of his previous eight starts.
That consistency will be tested by a Dodgers lineup containing Shohei Ohtani, Freddie Freeman and several additional power threats. Bennett must avoid walks and prevent Los Angeles from placing runners aboard ahead of the middle of the order.
The left-hander does not need to completely shut down the Dodgers. Five or six competitive innings with limited damage should give Boston an excellent opportunity to turn the game over to its bullpen with an advantage.
Boston’s offence enters with tremendous confidence. The Red Sox have won both games at Dodger Stadium and have repeatedly found ways to produce against Los Angeles’ starters and relievers. Rafaela’s two-homer performance Saturday provided the latest example of the lineup receiving important production from beyond its most recognizable hitters.
The Red Sox should remain patient against Sheehan. His elevated ERA suggests Boston will receive scoring opportunities, but the lineup cannot become overly aggressive while attempting to complete the sweep.
Forcing Sheehan into deep counts would increase his pitch total and create another opportunity against a Dodgers bullpen that has already worked through two difficult games.
Boston does not need another explosive offensive performance. Four or five runs could be enough if Bennett continues pitching at the level reflected by his season numbers.
Los Angeles Dodgers Analysis
Emmet Sheehan enters under considerable pressure to prevent a home sweep. His 4–7 record and ERA near 5.00 show that he has struggled to consistently control opposing lineups this season.
Sheehan possesses enough strikeout ability to produce a strong outing, but command will be critical against a Boston lineup playing with confidence. Walks and poorly located pitches could quickly create another multi-run inning.
The Dodgers’ offence remains their greatest strength. Ohtani and Freeman can change the game with one swing, while Los Angeles has enough lineup depth to create pressure even when the top of the order is contained.
The Dodgers have also been one of baseball’s stronger home teams and entered the weekend with a 31–19 record at Dodger Stadium. They have handled left-handed starting pitching well, carrying a 19–12 record in those matchups entering the series.
Those numbers make Los Angeles dangerous despite the opening two losses. The Dodgers should create more offensive opportunities than many of Bennett’s recent opponents.
However, Los Angeles must receive better run prevention. Asking the lineup to repeatedly overcome early deficits or bullpen breakdowns is difficult against a Boston team currently playing excellent baseball.
Why We Like This Pick
The starting-pitching difference is the primary reason to select Boston.
Bennett enters with a 2.74 ERA and has consistently limited opponents to manageable run totals. Sheehan carries an ERA close to 5.00 and has not provided the same level of reliability.
Boston also has the momentum created by winning the first two games. The Red Sox have shown they can produce against multiple areas of the Dodgers pitching staff and have not been intimidated by playing at Dodger Stadium.
Los Angeles remains dangerous enough to avoid making this a comfortable selection. Its lineup is capable of producing several runs against any starter, and the Dodgers have performed well against left-handed pitching.
However, Boston has the better chance of controlling the opening innings. If Bennett keeps the game close or gives the Red Sox an early advantage, their offence should create additional opportunities against Sheehan and the Los Angeles bullpen.
Final Prediction
The Dodgers produce some offence at home, but Bennett delivers another competitive start and prevents Los Angeles from building a large inning. Boston works Sheehan’s pitch count, creates consistent scoring pressure and completes the sweep with another road victory.
Final Score Prediction: Boston Red Sox 6, Los Angeles Dodgers 4
Official FirePicksHQ Pick: Boston Red Sox Moneyline