Match Preview
The Los Angeles Dodgers and Chicago Cubs open a three-game National League series Monday, August 3, at Wrigley Field. First pitch is scheduled for 8:05 p.m. Eastern. Chicago is expected to start left-hander Matthew Boyd, who enters with a 6–1 record, a 3.41 ERA and 60 strikeouts. Los Angeles had not officially announced its starting pitcher as of Monday morning.
The Dodgers arrive in Chicago looking to recover from a difficult weekend. Boston completed a three-game sweep at Dodger Stadium with an 8–4 victory Sunday, hitting four home runs and handing Los Angeles only its second sweep loss of the season.
Chicago also enters after a loss. The Cubs dropped Sunday’s series finale against the Yankees 2–1, producing only four hits and failing to capitalize on several late opportunities. Chicago still won one game during the weekend series, but its offence scored only six total runs across the three contests.
Boyd gives the Cubs an advantage in confirmed starting pitching, but Los Angeles owns the stronger overall record and the more dangerous offensive ceiling. The Dodgers should respond from their disappointing home series and are our preferred moneyline selection.
Los Angeles Dodgers Analysis
The uncertainty surrounding Los Angeles’ starting pitcher introduces risk. Until the Dodgers officially announce their plan, bettors should monitor the probable-pitcher listing and starting lineup before placing the wager.
Los Angeles may use a traditional starter, an opener or a bullpen-heavy approach. Regardless of the pitching plan, the Dodgers need a much cleaner performance than they received against Boston. The Red Sox scored 24 runs across the three-game sweep and repeatedly punished mistakes from both the rotation and bullpen.
The Dodgers’ offence still showed encouraging signs Sunday. Los Angeles collected nine hits and scored four runs, but it could not match Boston after the Red Sox produced four home runs. The Dodgers have enough talent to recover quickly, particularly with Shohei Ohtani, Freddie Freeman and the middle of the order capable of changing a game with one productive inning.
Facing Boyd will require patience. The left-hander has been effective this season and should not provide many easy scoring opportunities. Los Angeles must avoid chasing pitches outside the zone and force Boyd to work through extended at-bats.
The Dodgers should also benefit from facing a left-handed starter. Their lineup contains enough dangerous right-handed hitters to create difficult matchups, while Ohtani and Freeman remain capable of producing against pitchers from either side.
An early lead would be especially valuable. It would remove some pressure from Los Angeles’ uncertain pitching plan and allow the Dodgers to manage their bullpen more aggressively.
Chicago Cubs Analysis
Matthew Boyd gives Chicago a dependable starter for the series opener. His 6–1 record and 3.41 ERA show that he has consistently limited damage and helped the Cubs win when taking the mound.
Boyd must control Los Angeles’ power and avoid providing free baserunners ahead of the middle of the order. The Dodgers remain dangerous despite being swept, and one poorly located pitch can quickly turn into a multi-run homer.
Chicago’s larger concern is its recent offensive production. The Cubs scored only once Sunday and were unable to take advantage after Gerrit Cole left the game. New York’s bullpen recorded 3⅓ scoreless innings and protected a one-run advantage.
The Cubs need more consistent production from the heart of their lineup. Seiya Suzuki is approaching his fifth consecutive 100-hit season with Chicago, but the entire order must contribute against whichever pitching plan Los Angeles uses.
Chicago’s best opportunity may come from forcing the Dodgers to cover several innings with their bullpen. Boston exposed Los Angeles’ pitching depth throughout the weekend, and the Cubs should take a patient approach if the Dodgers use an opener or an inexperienced starter.
Why We Like This Pick
Boyd gives Chicago the more stable pitching situation, but Los Angeles has the stronger lineup and enters an appealing bounce-back position.
The Dodgers were swept at home, yet they remain 69–43 and own one of the National League’s best records. Chicago enters at 63–49 after scoring only one run in Sunday’s loss.
Los Angeles’ starting-pitcher uncertainty prevents this from being one of Monday’s safest selections. However, the Dodgers should approach the game with urgency after a poor weekend, and their lineup offers more game-changing power than Chicago’s.
Boyd may control the opening innings, but Los Angeles should gradually create traffic and receive opportunities once Chicago reaches its bullpen.
Final Prediction
Boyd keeps the Dodgers relatively quiet early, but Los Angeles produces a stronger offensive performance than it did against Boston. The Dodgers create the decisive rally during the middle innings and receive enough pitching to protect the lead.
Final Score Prediction: Los Angeles Dodgers 6, Chicago Cubs 4
Official FirePicksHQ Pick: Los Angeles Dodgers Moneyline