Game Preview: Dodgers Offense Looks to Continue Surge as Buehler Takes the Hill

Los Angeles Dodgers at St. Louis Cardinals

Time: 5:15 PM PT

Venue: Busch Stadium

St. Louis Record: 81-66

Los Angeles Record: 80-67

How are the Dodgers Doing?

After concluding their series against the Reds with an eight-run outpour, the Dodgers added nine runs to open their set against the Cardinals. Manny Machado went 3-4, falling a triple short of the cycle and Clayton Kershaw pitched six innings to earn his eighth victory of the year

Why is this Game Important?

If the Dodgers can win again on Friday, they will have the same record as the Cardinals. The race between Los Angeles and St. Louis is increasingly becoming important, with both teams vying for a playoff spot.

Pitching Matchup

Walker Buehler (6-5, 3.09 ERA) vs Jack Flaherty (8-6, 2.92 ERA)

A pair of young, bright arms in Walker Buehler and Jack Flaherty will match up for the second time in less than a month. When the two faced each other in August, both pitchers lasted at least six innings, allowed one run or fewer and struck out at least nine. Neither pitcher factored in the decision but the Cardinals won that affair, 3-1.

Matchup of the Day

Joc Pederson vs Jack Flaherty

When Jack Flaherty faced the Dodgers earlier this year, he surrendered just one run on one hit. That hit was a home run, courtesy of Joc Pederson. He received the day off in the series opener, but has two home runs in his previous two games played.

Vegas Odds

Odds Sharks

Moneyline Consensus

Los Angeles: -130

Cardinals: +120

FiveThirtyEight

Los Angeles: 49% chance of winning

Cardinals: 51% chance of winning

Fun Fact

The Cardinals and Dodgers have faced off in the playoffs five times, with St. Louis taking the series on four of those occasions.