Dodgers vs. Orioles: Expert Picks and Odds for August 28

As the 2024 Major League Baseball season heats up, fans are in for a treat with an interleague showdown between two powerhouse teams. The Los Angeles Dodgers are set to host the Baltimore Orioles at Dodger Stadium on Wednesday, August 28, 2024. This matchup promises to be an exciting affair, pitting the National League’s Dodgers against the American League’s Orioles in a game that could have playoff implications for both teams.

Game Details

• Date: Wednesday, August 28, 2024
• Time: 10:10 p.m. ET
• Venue: Dodger Stadium, Los Angeles, California
• TV Broadcast: MASN2

Betting Odds and Predictions

For those interested in the betting aspect of the game, here’s a breakdown of the current odds:

• Moneyline: Dodgers (-114) vs. Orioles (-106)
• Run Line: Dodgers -1.5 (+178) vs. Orioles +1.5 (-216)
• Total Runs: 8.5 (Over: -115, Under: -105)

The odds suggest a closely contested game, with the Dodgers holding a slight edge as the home team. The run line indicates that oddsmakers expect a tight game, giving value to those who believe the Dodgers can win by two or more runs.

Our prediction for this game:

• Score: Dodgers 5, Orioles 4
• Total: Over 8.5 runs
• Win Probabilities: Dodgers 54%, Orioles 46%

Team Analysis

Los Angeles Dodgers

The Dodgers come into this game as one of the most formidable teams in the league. With a 62.6% win rate in games where they’ve been favored, Los Angeles has proven to be a dominant force throughout the season. Their recent form shows a strong 7-3 record in their last 10 games, averaging an impressive 5.0 runs per game.

Key players to watch for the Dodgers include:

1. Shohei Ohtani: The two-way phenom leads the team with 41 home runs and 94 RBIs, along with a stellar .292 batting average. Ohtani’s presence in the lineup makes the Dodgers a constant threat.
2. Freddie Freeman: Batting .284 with 17 home runs, Freeman provides consistency and power in the heart of the order.
3. Mookie Betts: With a .299 batting average and 13 home runs, Betts continues to be a catalyst for the Dodgers’ offense.
4. Teoscar Hernández: Adding depth to the lineup, Hernández contributes with 27 home runs and a .264 average.

The Dodgers’ pitching staff has been solid, posting a 3.64 ERA over the last 10 games with 7.8 strikeouts per nine innings.

Baltimore Orioles

The Orioles enter this contest as slight underdogs, but they’ve shown resilience throughout the season. With 16 wins in 29 games as underdogs, Baltimore has proven they can compete with anyone. However, their recent form (4-6 in their last 10 games) suggests they may be facing some challenges.

Players to keep an eye on for the Orioles include:

1. Gunnar Henderson: Leading the team with a .282 batting average, Henderson has been a breakout star for Baltimore.
2. Anthony Santander: The power hitter leads the Orioles with 38 home runs and 86 RBIs, ranking third in MLB for home runs.
3. Adley Rutschman: The young catcher continues to impress, batting .262 with 18 home runs.
4. Ryan O’Hearn: Providing depth to the lineup, O’Hearn contributes with a .269 average and 12 home runs.

The Orioles’ pitching has struggled recently, with a 4.90 ERA over their last 10 games. However, they’ve maintained a solid strikeout rate of 9.2 per nine innings.

Key Matchups to Watch

1. Dodgers’ Power vs. Orioles’ Pitching: With the Dodgers’ lineup featuring heavy hitters like Ohtani, Freeman, and Betts, it will be crucial for the Orioles’ pitchers to limit the damage and keep the ball in the park.
2. Orioles’ Santander vs. Dodgers’ Pitchers: Santander’s power has been a bright spot for Baltimore. How the Dodgers choose to pitch to him could be a game-changing factor.
3. Bullpen Battle: With both teams likely to score runs, the performance of the relief pitchers could ultimately decide the game.

Historical Context and Storylines

While interleague play has become more common, matchups between the Dodgers and Orioles are still relatively rare. This game provides an interesting contrast between the traditionally strong Dodgers and the up-and-coming Orioles.

For the Dodgers, this game is another opportunity to assert their dominance and maintain their position as one of the elite teams in baseball. The addition of Shohei Ohtani has elevated their lineup to new heights, and they’ll be looking to showcase their offensive firepower.

The Orioles, on the other hand, are out to prove that they belong among the top teams in the league. A win against a powerhouse like the Dodgers would go a long way in building confidence and respect around the league.

Factors That Could Influence the Game

1. Home Field Advantage: Dodger Stadium is known for its electric atmosphere, which could play a role in energizing the home team.
2. Travel Fatigue: The Orioles, coming from the East Coast, may need to adjust to the time difference, potentially affecting their performance.
3. Pitching Matchups: As of this writing, the starting pitchers have not been announced. The quality of the starters could significantly impact the game’s outcome.
4. Recent Momentum: The Dodgers’ 7-3 record in their last 10 games gives them a slight edge in terms of recent form.

Betting Insights

For those considering placing a wager on this game, here are some key points to keep in mind:

• The over has hit in 5 of the Dodgers’ last 10 games.
• The Orioles are 7-3 against the spread in their last 10 games.
• The Dodgers have been reliable as favorites, winning 71 out of 112 games when favored by -114 or more on the moneyline.

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Conclusion

As we look forward to this exciting matchup between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Baltimore Orioles, all signs point to a closely contested game with plenty of offensive fireworks. The Dodgers’ star-studded lineup gives them a slight edge, but the Orioles have shown they can compete with the best teams in the league.

Whether you’re a die-hard fan of either team, a casual observer, or someone looking to place a bet, this game promises to deliver excitement from the first pitch to the final out. With powerhouse offenses on both sides and the potential for late-inning drama, baseball fans won’t want to miss this interleague clash under the lights at Dodger Stadium.

Remember, while predictions and odds can guide our expectations, the beauty of baseball lies in its unpredictability. Tune in to MASN2 at 10:10 p.m. ET on Wednesday, August 28, to catch all the action live. Play ball!