Chicago Cubs vs Los Angeles Dodgers

The Dodgers (86-59) are a game behind Philadelphia for the best record in the majors. The Cubs have had something to say about that as they have taken the first two games of this series, and look for the sweep tonight. This is not going to be an easy spot for the Cubs. The Dodgers have not been swept at home in a three-game series all season. The one time they had a chance to lose three straight at home, they went out and won 10-0. This game may not be meaningful in regards to Los Angeles' divisional lead, which is still a comfortable 4.5 games ahead of the San Diego Padres, but the bigger picture as described above is to have home field advantage for as long as they are in the playoffs. Make the play on the Dodgers.

It will be a very interesting few weeks in the NL as Philadelphia and the LA Dodgers are tied for the top spot going into today. The Dodgers just keep winning, and have been 23-11 in their last 34 games. The Cubs will have their best option on the mound as they will go with Shota Imananga. Imananga has led the Cubs to a 20-6 mark in his 26 decisions. The Dodgers can match up with anyone at home, and LA isn't on cruise control, they want the best record in the NL, and sure have been playing like it over the last quarter of the season. I like the LA Dodgers in this one.

Los Angeles won the final two games of its series with Cleveland, including 4-0 on Sunday when Shohei Ohtani hit his 46th home run to tie his career high and the Guardians were held to six hits in 103-degree weather. Chicago has lost four of six although it did beat the New York Yankees 2-1 yesterday to keep its playoff hopes alive. However, the Cubs scored only two runs in the three-game series and they have been shut out three times in their past five games. Kyle Hendricks is 3-11 with a 6.60 ERA and the Cubs have lost five of six when he starts with five days rest. Chicago has lost five of its past six games against teams with winning records and the Dodgers are 47-25 at home this season. Take the Dodgers.

Los Angeles had won four straight before losing 9-7 to the Cubs, who won their fifth in a row on Friday. It is likely fewer runs will be scored in today's game as the weather forecast calls for 8 mph winds blowing straight in from center field at Wrigley Field. Yoshinobu Yamamoto starts for the Dodgers and he did a much better job in his second outing than he did in his initial appearance in South Korea. He pitched five shutout innings on two hits against St. Louis last Saturday. Los Angeles will be up against Jordan Wicks, who gave up five runs (two earned), against Texas in his first start this year. The Dodgers are 48-19 following a loss the past two seasons and 20-6 overall in road games with a posted total of 8 to 8.5. They are 6-0-1 UNDER after a loss dating to last season. Take the Dodgers and the UNDER.