Baltimore Orioles vs Los Angeles Dodgers

Key factors

• The LA Dodgers hold a significant advantage with a 49-28 season record (2nd in the league) compared to the Baltimore Orioles' 36-42 record (10th in the league).
• The Dodgers boast a strong home record of 26-13, while the Orioles struggle on the road with a 14-23 record.
• Dodgers starter Emmet Sheehan has a 4.76 ERA and 1.20 WHIP, while Orioles starter Brandon Young has a better season ERA of 3.18 and 1.25 WHIP, but his ERA over the last four starts is a concerning 4.71.
• The Dodgers' offense is potent, averaging 5.2 runs per game, with key hitters like Andy Pages (.268 AVG, 15 HR, 57 RBI) and Mookie Betts (12 hits, 2 HR in last 10 games) in good form.
• The Dodgers' bullpen is significantly weakened by injuries to key relievers Blake Treinen (elbow inflammation) and closer Edwin Diaz (elbow surgery), whereas the Orioles' bullpen, featuring Ryan Helsley and Yennier Cano, has been a bright spot.

Briefing

The final game of this three-game series between the LA Dodgers and the Baltimore Orioles at Dodger Stadium features two teams with contrasting season trajectories. The Los Angeles Dodgers are showcasing their prowess, leading the league with a 49-28 record, while the Baltimore Orioles are struggling at 36-42. The Dodgers' formidable home record of 26-13, contrasted with the Orioles' road struggles (14-23), will be a key factor.

On the mound, Emmet Sheehan (3-4, 4.76 ERA, 1.20 WHIP) will start for the Dodgers against Brandon Young (5-2, 3.18 ERA, 1.25 WHIP) for the Orioles. While Young's season stats appear superior to Sheehan's, his recent performance has been shaky, with a 4.71 ERA over his last four starts, which could pose a challenge against the Dodgers' powerful offense. Sheehan, on the other hand, has allowed at least one earned run in every appearance this season, and the Dodgers' bullpen is further strained by injuries to key relievers like Blake Treinen and closer Edwin Diaz.

Offensively, the Dodgers hold a clear edge. They boast a potent offense, averaging 5.2 runs per game, with standout performances from Andy Pages (15 HR, 57 RBI) and Mookie Betts (2 HR in last 10 games). Despite a narrow 3-2 loss to the Orioles yesterday, the Dodgers maintain a strong 6-4 record in their last 10 games. The Orioles, led by Pete Alonso (17 HR), also display offensive capabilities, but their team average of 4.6 runs per game is lower than the Dodgers.

Considering the Dodgers' dominant home record, potent lineup, and the recent struggles of Orioles starter Young, the Dodgers are favored to win, even with the Orioles' strong bullpen. Dodger Stadium itself is known to inflate home runs by 22%, suggesting a potentially high-scoring affair.