Los Angeles Dodgers (29-17) vs Los Angeles Angels (19-25)
May 18, 2025 at 04:10 PM EDT
The Line: Betting Odds: Los Angeles Dodgers -250 / Los Angeles Angels +205 — Over/Under: 9
In this article, we will formulate an Angels vs Dodgers prediction for this MLB game on Sunday, May 18, at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, California. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this MLB matchup.
Los Angeles Angels Betting Preview
The Los Angeles Angels (19-25, 10-15 Away) defeated the Toronto Blue Jays and then lost the series to the Baltimore Orioles and San Diego Padres. Shockingly, the Angels won the opening two games of the current rivalry series against the Dodgers. In last night’s 11-9 victory, Logan O’Hoppe led the team with a career-high five RBI, while Tyler Anderson pitched for 5.0 innings in a no-decision, allowing four runs on seven hits with four strikeouts and no walks. Reid Detmers was credited with the win.
This year, the Angels average 3.81 runs per game (24th in the MLB) on a .216/.277/.387 triple-slash. When it comes to pitching, the Angels’ staff has a 5.02 ERA (25th) and 1.49 WHIP (28th). Taylor Ward leads the Angels with a .196 batting average, 11 home runs, and 23 RBI this season.
The projected starting pitcher for the Angels is Yusei Kikuchi, who is 0-4 in nine starts this season, with a 3.72 ERA and 1.47 WHIP in 48.1 innings.
Los Angeles Dodgers Betting Preview
The Los Angeles Dodgers (29-17, 17-6 Home) came back home from a three-series road trip, on which they beat the Braves and Marlins, while they split with the Diamondbacks. The Dodgers unpleasantly surprised their fans at home with a pair of defeats to the Angels, which will result in a series loss. In Saturday’s 11-9 defeat, Andy Pages led the team with three RBI, while Clayton Kershaw pitched for 4.0 innings in a no-decision, allowing five runs on five hits with two strikeouts and two walks. Kirby Yates took the loss.
This season, the Dodgers average 5.76 runs per game (2nd in the MLB) on a .271/.346/.479 triple-slash. When it comes to pitching, the Dodgers’ staff has a 3.98 ERA (16th) and 1.28 WHIP (16th). Freddie Freeman leads the Dodgers with a .375 batting average, nine home runs, and 34 RBI this season.
Tony Gonsolin will take the mound for the Dodgers on Sunday. The 31-year-old right-hander has a 2-0 record in three starts this year with a 2.81 ERA and 1.06 WHIP in 16.0 innings.
Why the Dodgers will cover
- The Dodgers have won each of their last nine day games against AL West opponents following a loss.
- The Angels have lost six of their last seven day games after playing the previous day.
- The Angels have failed to cover the run line in each of their last six Sunday games as road underdogs against NL West opponents.
- The Dodgers have covered the run line in 12 of their last 14 home games against AL West opponents following a loss.
- The Dodgers have led after 3 innings in four of their last five day games against the Angels.
- The Angels have trailed after 5 innings in four of their last five day games.
Total Runs Facts
- Nine of the Dodgers’ last 10 games as home favorites have gone OVER the total runs line.
- Four of the Angels’ last five games after playing the previous day have gone OVER the total runs line.
- The ‘Inning 1 OVER 0.5 runs’ market has hit in eight of the Angels’ last nine games as underdogs.
- The ‘Inning 1 OVER 0.5 runs’ market has hit in each of the Dodgers’ last four games as favorites against AL West opponents.
Matchup/League Facts
- The Dodgers rank 1st in the league for batting average this season (.274).
- The Dodgers rank 1st in the league for slugging percentage this season (.481).
- The Angels rank 30th in the league for walks this season (109).
- The Angels rank T29th in the league for steals this season (19).
Angels vs Dodgers Prediction
The Dodgers won six of the previous ten H2H encounters, but the Angels were better in the last three. The Angels are looking for their first road sweep, while the Dodgers are hoping to avoid the first home sweep of the season. I have to admit I was surprised by the results of the opening two games, but I am still convinced the Dodgers are way better and will get the win here. Yusei Kikuchi was solid in his last three starts, but he allowed a .298 BA in 94 at-bats against the Dodgers, who will be very aggressive at the plate after losing the first two games. I am backing the hosts to score multiple runs off Kikuchi and secure an easy win. Tony Gonsolin will keep the Angels at bay.