The Los Angeles Dodgers have a chance to win a fourth straight series out of the gate this season when they play the rubber match of a three-game set in Chicago vs. the Cubs. L.A. has reeled off wins in five of its last six after topping Chicago on Saturday.
That result brought the Cubs’ season-best five-game win streak screeching to a halt. They're -102 on the moneyline in the MLB odds in the series finale on Sunday afternoon.
Read on for my free MLB picks for Dodgers vs. Cubs on Sunday, April 7.
Dodgers vs Cubs odds
Dodgers vs Cubs predictions
Offense has been powering the Los Angeles Dodgers in the early part of the season. Through 11 games, they lead the majors with 68 runs scored, and no other team has cracked 60.
Their 6.18 runs per game ranks fourth in the bigs. L.A. ranks first in on-base percentage, and no lower than Top 3 in batting average (.291), slugging (.468), and OPS (.839).
The Dodgers are also tops in hits with 110 with an MLB-best 15 home runs and 66 runs batted in. In fact, their 4-1 win over the Chicago Cubs on Saturday was the first game all season in which L.A. failed to score five runs.
That has been a luxury that has carried their pitching staff through the early going, as the Dodgers own a 4.27 ERA, which ranks 19th in the majors. They're surrendering the fifth-most hits and RBI.
The Cubs have been on a power surge of their own recently, as prior to their loss on Saturday, had scored at least nine runs on their five-game winning streak four times.
Chicago has played three fewer games than the Dodgers, but it’s actually averaging an even better 6.25 runs per game on the season. They’re inside the Top 5 in both on-base percentage and OPS.
It’s looking more and more like that 4-1 decision is the outlier to two teams that could be back to batting around, depending on how you feel about seeing a pitcher for the first time.
That’s the case for both teams as L.A. will get its first look at rookie left-hander Shota Imanaga, who’s coming off an impressive debut in a 5-0 win over the Rockies. Chicago, meanwhile, draws second-year man Gavin Stone. He didn’t factor into a decision in his first start, though the Dodgers did beat the Cardinals 5-4.
These teams have lit up the scoreboard in their most recent meetings, with the Over hitting in four of the last five head-to-heads.
The Dodgers are sixth in the bigs hitting against lefties, while the Cubs are seventh against righties. This adds up to the Wrigley scoreboard operators putting in work.
My best bet: Over 8.5 (-105 at FanDuel)
Dodgers vs Cubs same-game parlay
Over 8.5
Dodgers -1.5
If you’re confident in the Dodgers taking the rubber match (as I am), then tacking on L.A.’s -1.5 run line is a no-brainer to put together a SGP.
Of L.A.’s eight wins on the season, five of them have come by at least two runs. That lineup is loaded with talent and the early returns are impressive.
It’s not an uncommon trend in this head-to-head either. The Dodgers have won six of the last 10 against the Cubbies, and in just one of those wins did they fail to win by at least two runs.
The Cubs haven’t lost much, but two of their three losses this season were by two or more runs.
Learn how to bet a same-game parlay with these helpful tips and strategies.
Best MLB bonuses for Dodgers vs Cubs
All Users
Instant payout for MLB moneylines
If your team goes up by 5+! Claim Now
New Users
Get a no-sweat first bet
Up to $1,500! Claim Now
Eligible USA locations only. Also, see our full list of best sportsbook promotions for 2024.
21+. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER
Dodgers vs Cubs moneyline and Over/Under analysis
- L.A. has won four of the last six head-to-head meetings against Chicago.
- The Cubs have won five of their last six games overall.
- Chicago has gone Over the total in five of its last seven.
Trend to know
Seven of the Dodgers' last eight games have hit the Over. Find more MLB betting trends for Dodgers vs. Cubs
Not intended for use in MA.
Affiliate Disclosure: Covers may receive advertising commissions for visits to a sportsbook or betting site.
Dodgers vs Cubs game info
| Location: | Wrigley Field, Chicago, IL |
| Date: | Sunday, April 7, 2024 |
| First pitch: | 2:20 p.m. ET |
| TV: | SNLA, MARQ |
Starting pitchers
Gavin Stone (0-0, 5.40 ERA): Gavin Stone is seeking his first win of the year in his first career start against the Cubs. He gave up three runs on seven hits across five innings against the Cardinals, walking one and striking out six. Last year, Stone posted a 9.00 ERA and 1.90 WHIP in 31 innings.
Shota Imanaga (1-0, 0.00 ERA): It was about as sparkling a career debut as you can have, as Imanaga offered six scoreless innings of 2-hit ball with nine strikeouts in a 5-0 win over the Rockies. The 30-year-old “rookie” is coming off a great year in Japan, posting a 2.80 ERA and 1.05 WHIP in 148 innings.
