In a highly anticipated matchup, the Los Angeles Dodgers (70-49) will face off against the Milwaukee Brewers (67-51) in the third game of their four-game series. Set to take place at American Family Field on Wednesday night at 8:10 PM ET, this contest carries significant weight for postseason seeding.
Walker Buehler, sporting a 1-4 record with a 5.81 ERA, will take the mound for the Dodgers, while Frankie Montas, with a 5-8 record and a 5.10 ERA, will pitch for the Brewers.
Los Angeles has dominated the recent encounters, boasting an 8-2 record in their last ten matchups against Milwaukee.
**This preview was prepared before Tuesday’s game was played**
For expert MLB picks, the predictions are consistently promising.
Dodgers Eyeing League Supremacy
The Dodgers recently rebounded from a series loss to the Phillies by sweeping the Pirates in three games. Their win in the series opener against the Brewers marked their third victory in four encounters this season. This successful stretch has positioned them in a tie for the league’s best record alongside the Baltimore Orioles and the Cleveland Guardians. A win on Wednesday would not only secure the series against Milwaukee but also allow Los Angeles to claim sole possession of the league’s top spot.
Los Angeles averages 4.93 runs per game, with a .252 batting average placing them 11th in the league. Their .332 on-base percentage ranks fourth, while their .432 slugging percentage stands at fifth.
Shohei Ohtani has emerged as the Dodgers’ most formidable offensive player this season, leading the team with a .298 batting average, 36 home runs, and 85 RBIs. He showcased his power with a two-run homer in the series opener.
The pitching staff has also performed admirably, allowing an average of 3.74 runs per game. Opponents hit .234 against the Dodgers, placing them fifth in the league. Their 3.76 ERA ranks sixth while their 1.22 WHIP is also fifth.
In his last outing, Buehler struggled, yielding seven hits and seven runs over four innings. Nevertheless, the Dodgers clinched an 11-9 victory against the Rockies, underscoring the need for a stronger performance from him to secure a win against Milwaukee.
Brewers Seeking Momentum Restoration
The Brewers recently enjoyed series victories over the Braves and Reds. However, after a five-game winning streak, they have suffered two consecutive losses. Despite maintaining a 7.5-game lead over the St. Louis Cardinals in the NL Central, they find themselves four games behind the Dodgers in the National League standings. A win on Wednesday could reignite their momentum in the quest for the league’s best record.
Milwaukee averages 4.85 runs per game, with a .256 batting average placing them fifth in the league. Their .333 on-base percentage is second, while their .406 slugging percentage ranks 13th.
William Contreras leads the Brewers with a .286 batting average, while Willy Adames has contributed significantly with 21 home runs and 80 RBIs.
The Brewers’ pitching has also been solid, allowing an average of 3.69 runs per game. Opponents hit .240 against them, ranking 14th. Their 3.75 ERA is fifth, and their 1.25 WHIP stands at 14th in the league.
In his most recent start, Montas allowed two hits and three runs over four innings, but received support from his offense, leading to a 16-7 win against Atlanta. A strong outing from him will be crucial for Milwaukee’s chances on Wednesday.
Strategic Bets for Dodgers vs. Brewers
The Dodgers have emerged victorious in seven of their last nine games, while the Brewers have struggled, losing four of their last six home games. Los Angeles has recently broken out of their offensive slump, scoring five or more runs in three of their last four contests. Their success against right-handed pitchers, combined with Montas’s difficulty on the mound, suggests the Dodgers may find significant scoring opportunities. Montas has struggled since joining the Brewers, giving up six runs in his first two starts, and he previously allowed 11 runs in his last three home outings against various opponents. Meanwhile, the Brewers have struggled offensively, managing only six runs in their past three home games. Although Buehler has faced challenges this season, he has historically performed well against Milwaukee, allowing only two runs in two career starts against them. With a potent offense backing him up, the Dodgers appear poised to outpace the Brewers in this matchup. The recommendation is to back Los Angeles to cover the money line.
