Cubs vs Dodgers Preview and Pick

The Chicago Cubs are in Los Angeles this weekend for a four-game Cubs vs Dodgers series, and things have gone well for Chicago so far. The Cubs took the series opener over the Los Angeles Dodgers by a score of 4-0, and the team combined for a no-hitter in that performance.

This was the first-ever combined no-hitter in team history, and it came against one of the best teams in baseball. Los Angeles never looked comfortable at the plate all night, and they were on the wrong side of history in the series opener.

Chicago remains tied for first place in the NL Central with a record of 42-33, and they are a perfect 4-0 against the Dodgers so far this season. Los Angeles is still in second place in the NL West after falling to 44-31.

The Los Angeles Dodgers are the betting favorites at -172 over the Chicago Cubs in Game 2 of the series on Friday night.

Cubs at Dodgers Preview and Pick: Bullpen Lights Out For Cubs

It is fitting that the Cubs bullpen was responsible for the final 9 outs in the no-hitter on Thursday night. That unit has been one of the best in baseball this season, especially the trio of Ryan Tepera, Andrew Chafin, and Craig Kimbrel.

The Cubs don’t usually give up a lead late in games, but they will need Jake Arrieta to get them off to a good start on Friday. Arrieta has gone just 5-8 with a 5.45 ERA this season, and he has really struggled over the past month.

Chicago continues to be inconsistent at the plate, but this team is capable of producing plenty of power. Both Javier Baez and Willson Contreras homered in the series opener and helped quiet the Los Angeles crowd.

Baez leads the team with 17 home runs and 46 RBIs, and the Cubs will be looking to play long ball again on Friday night.

Cubs at Dodgers Preview and Pick: Bats Slumping For Dodgers

The Dodgers are currently really struggling at the plate, as evident in the no-hitter that was recorded against them on Thursday night. Los Angeles has scored just seven total runs in the last four games, and that’s not going to get it done.

Of course, the Dodgers are still one of the top offensive teams in the league, and they are capable of breaking out at any time. Max Muncy and Justin Turner continue to lead the way, but this team needs Mookie Betts to get going.

Muncy leads the team with 14 home runs, while Turner has driven in a team-high 39 runs. The Dodgers are not going to get no-hit again, but they need to get some early offense.

Tony Gonsolin is on the mound on Friday night, and he is just getting his season going. Gonsolin is 0-0 with a 3.00 ERA this year, but he has proven to be a solid pitcher.

Cubs at Dodgers Preview and Pick

The Dodgers have now lost four straight games, and they have struggled much more than anyone thought they would. Injuries have played a role in the struggles, but this team is still capable of playing much better than they have.

Chicago has played great against the top teams on the schedule, but the offense could still improve. The Cubs did just enough scoring in the series opener, but this won’t be a series that they score a ton of runs.

Getting no-hit on Thursday night is going to leave a bad taste in the Dodgers’ mouth, and they will get some revenge over the Cubs on Friday. Bet the Los Angeles Dodgers -172 over the Chicago Cubs on Friday night.

Final Score

Dodgers 5
Cubs 4