Game Preview: Dodgers Return Home to Face Cardinals

St. Louis Cardinals at Los Angeles Dodgers

Time: 7:10 PM PT

Venue: Dodger Stadium

St. Louis Record: 68-57

Los Angeles Record: 67-58

How are the Dodgers Doing?

The Dodgers turned their offense on early on Sunday to win their series finale in Seattle. They scored five runs in the first inning and tacked on seven more before the end of the day. The Dodgers also stole five bases in their  12-run affair.

Clayton Kershaw received win number 150 for his career. He allowed just one run and struck out seven batters in seven innings

Why is this Game Important?

The Dodgers face a streaking Cardinals ballclub. St. Louis leads the league with 14 wins this month. They went from a team out of playoff contention to a team that is fighting for a wild card spot. The Cardinals trail the second wild card spot by one game while the Dodgers trails that position by two games.

Pitching Matchup

Alex Wood (7-6, 3.51 ERA) vs Austin Gomber (3-0, 2.89 ERA)

Alex Wood comes off a solid start against the Giants, where he allowed just three hits and one run. Over his last 10 games, Wood has thrown at least five innings, giving up three earned runs or fewer.

Rookie southpaw Austin Gomber takes the hill for St. Louis. He began the season in triple-A before receiving a call-up in early June. He initially pitched out of the St. Louis bullpen before becoming a starter in July. In his starting role, Gomber has a 2.53 ERA in four games.

Matchup of the Day

Max Muncy vs Austin Gomber

Despite being a lefty-lefty matchup, Max Muncy hits better against southpaws, batting .274 with seven home runs in 84 at-bats against left-handed pitching. Left-handed hitters are slashing .259/.339/.407 against Gomber, compared to a slash line of .190/.319/.354 among righties.

Vegas Odds

Odds Sharks

Los Angeles: -155

Cardinals: +145

FiveThirtyEight

Los Angeles: 57% chance of winning

Cardinals: 43% chance of winning

Fun Fact

The Dodgers 24 stolen bases this month are the most by the team since they stole 26 in August 2014.