Toronto Blue Jays at LA Dodgers odds, picks and predictions
Season series: First meeting; Dodgers won 2-1 in 2024
The Blue Jays are coming off a 3-game sweep of the Colorado Rockies in Denver, wrapping up the set with a 20-1 win as -247 favorites Wednesday with the Over (11) cashing. The top 3 batters in the lineup finished a combined 11-for-21 with 4 homers, 7 RBIs and 10 runs. LF-2B Davis Schneider (3-for-7, 4 RBIs) hit 2 of the homers out of the leadoff spot, while 3B Ernie Clement (4-for-7, 1 RBI) and DH Vladimir Guerrero Jr. (4-for-7, 2 RBIs) each went yard once. It was Vlad Jr.'s second homer in as many games -- he finished 8-for-17 with 4 RBIs and 7 runs in the series. 1B Ty France added a 4-for-4 performance (3 doubles and a single) with an RBI and 4 runs in the 19-run rout.
Toronto had 24 hits Wednesday and finished with 63 in the series, the most by any team in a 3-game set since 1900. Winning 15-1 Monday and 10-4 Tuesday, the Blue Jays set a franchise record for most runs (45) in a 3-game series.
The Dodgers, meanwhile, dropped 2 of 3 at home to the St. Louis Cardinals, falling 5-3 in Wednesday's finale as -202 favorites with the Under (9.5) cashing. SP/DH Shohei Ohtani recorded his 1,000th career hit -- a 2-run homer in the third -- and struck out 8 over 4 innings of 1-run ball. LA has alternated wins and losses over its past 8 games.
Blue Jays at Dodgers projected starters
RHP Max Scherzer vs. LHP Clayton Kershaw
Scherzer (2-1, 4.39 ERA) makes his ninth start. He has a 1.05 WHIP, 1.8 BB/9 and 9.7 K/9 through 41 innings.
Kershaw (5-2, 3.29 ERA) makes his 14th start. He has a 1.25 WHIP, 2.5 BB/9 and 5.8 K/9 through 65 2/3 innings.
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Blue Jays at Dodgers odds
Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 3:13 p.m. ET.
Blue Jays at Dodgers picks and predictions
Blue Jays 6, Dodgers 5
Moneyline
TORONTO (+115) is 13-7 since the All-Star break, while LA has stumbled to an 8-10 mark. Not only have the Blue Jays been the better team of late, but Scherzer has posted comparable numbers to Kershaw. Both starters allowed 1 earned run or fewer in their most recent outings.
In July, Scherzer went 1-1 with a 4.91 ERA (22 IP, 12 ER) over 4 starts, while Kershaw went 0-2 with a 4.71 ERA (21 IP, 11 ER) across 4 starts. The Dodgers may carry a higher power rating in the market, but this price undervalues both Scherzer and Toronto's recent form.
BET BLUE JAYS (+115).
Run line/Against the spread
Toronto +1.5 (-185) is too expensive, while LA -1.5 (+150) is too risky.
PASS on the run line.
Over/Under
The Blue Jays lead MLB in hits per game (9.26). The last time Kershaw faced a lineup with comparable contact numbers -- 2 starts ago vs. the Boston Red Sox, currently third at 8.72 hits per game -- he allowed 4 earned runs on 6 hits in 4 2/3 innings.
The Over has hit in 4 straight Blue Jays games, and Toronto should stay hot after setting an MLB record with 63 hits in a 3-game series. Against a fading Kershaw and an inconsistent Dodgers bullpen, Toronto's offense should help keep the Over streak alive.
BET OVER 9 (-105).
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