In this article, we will formulate an Astros vs Dodgers prediction for this MLB game on Friday, July 4, at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, California. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this MLB matchup.

Houston Astros Betting Preview

The Houston Astros (52-35, 20-21 Away) are unbeaten in the previous 12 games, recording 11 wins and one split. Among the others, the Astros defeated the Philadelphia Phillies, Chicago Cubs, and, most recently, the Colorado Rockies on the road. Houston had an opportunity to sweep the Rox, but fell short in Game 3, 7-6. Cam Smith led the offense with three RBI, while Brandon Walter pitched for 5.0 innings in a no-decision, allowing five runs on eight hits with three strikeouts and no walks. Jordan Weems took the loss.

This year, the Astros average 4.22 runs per game (18th in the MLB) on a .258/.323/.401 triple-slash. When it comes to pitching, the Astros’ staff has a 3.53 ERA (5th) and 1.16 WHIP (2nd). Isaac Paredes leads the Astros with a .256 batting average, 17 home runs, and 47 RBI this season.

The projected starting pitcher for the Astros is Lance McCullers Jr., who is 1-3 in eight starts this season, with a 6.61 ERA and 1.62 WHIP in 32.2 innings.

Los Angeles Dodgers Betting Preview

The Los Angeles Dodgers (56-32, 33-14 Home) are also in excellent form lately, as they have won seven consecutive series. After sweeping the Colorado Rockies and defeating the Kansas City Royals on the road, the Dodgers swept the Chicago White Sox at home. In the latest 6-2 victory, Freddie Freeman led the offense with three RBI, while Dustin May got the win after allowing two runs on four hits with nine strikeouts and one walk across 7.0 innings of work.

This season, the Dodgers average 5.61 runs per game (1st in the MLB) on a .262/.337/.459 triple-slash. When it comes to pitching, the Dodgers’ staff has a 4.16 ERA (22nd) and 1.30 WHIP (19th). Andy Pages leads the Dodgers with a .289 batting average, 17 home runs, and 58 RBI this season.

Ben Casparius will take the mound for the Dodgers on Friday. The 26-year-old right-hander has a 6-2 record in two starts this year with a 3.97 ERA and 1.13 WHIP in 56.2 innings.

Total Runs Facts

Seven of the Astros’ last eight games as underdogs against NL West opponents have gone UNDER the total runs line.
Five of the Dodgers’ last six games against AL West opponents have gone OVER the total runs line.
The ‘Inning 1 OVER 0.5 runs’ market has hit in each of the Dodgers’ last nine games as home favorites against American League opponents.
The ‘Inning 1 UNDER 0.5 runs’ market has hit in seven of the Astros’ last eight games as road underdogs.

Matchup/League Facts

The Dodgers rank 1st in the league for home runs this season (138).
The Dodgers rank 1st in the league for RBIs this season (476).
The Astros rank 2nd in the league for hits allowed this season (640).
The Astros rank 2nd in the league for runs allowed this season (319).

Astros vs Dodgers Prediction

The teams have traded wins in the past couple of years, each recording five in the previous ten H2H encounters. Both teams are playing some excellent baseball recently, so it’s going to be tricky to pick the winner here. That’s why I am going with Over, and because of the pitching matchup, of course. Lance McCullers Jr. struggled in his last two starts and allowed 12 runs in just 8.1 innings. Ben Casparius, on the other hand, was forced to start some games lately because of numerous injuries to starters and pitchers in general. He posted a bloated 6.20 ERA in June and surrendered 11 runs in his previous three appearances. Back the Over.

Oliver Zivic's Pick: Over 8.5