ODDS ANALYSIS
The Dodgers look for better results at Busch Stadium than they had last year when they fell in the NLDS, losing Game Four there with Cy Young and MVP winner Clayton Kershaw on the bump. Doesn’t matter to the Cards who’s throwing, they just win and are off to their best home start in franchise history after a sweep of the Dbacks during the week.
The Dodgers have struggled on the road this season entering the weekend series with the fewest road wins in the National League and are still in the red 7.38 units in their 18 away contests. Brett Anderson has proven to be a solid pickup for LA but the Dodgers are just 1-3 in his four road starts and the under is 3-1 in those games.
Following a three-game sweep of the Dbacks the Cards went up 11.16 units on the moneyline winning 18 of their first 23 home games. The Cards are a strong under play, especially at home, but the over is 4-1 in the last five games started by Carlos Martinez.
PITCHING MATCHUP
LA’s Brett Anderson (2-2, 3.47 ERA) pitched a season-high seven innings Monday against Atlanta despite dealing with stiffness in his back. He allowed only two runs on seven hits with three strikeouts and came away with his fifth no-decision in nine starts.
Anderson will be an unknown to the Cardinals lineup with only two current Cards having experience against the lefty. Jhonny Peralta and Peter Bourjos are hitting a combined .150 in 20 at-bats against Anderson.
Carlos Martinez (4-2, 3.54 ERA) was superb last time out tossing seven shutout frames at the Dbacks on Monday but came away with a no-decision. He scattered five singles with two walks and eight strikeouts and has not allowed a run in 13.1 innings over his last two starts.
Martinez will make his fourth career start against the Dodgers in search of his first win against them. He’s allowed 19 hits and eight walks in 14 innings for a 5.14 ERA and 1.93 WHIP in four career appearances against LA.
QUOTE TO NOTE
“Meeting in the playoffs like that ups the regular season when you meet them. It’s a little bit different than playing Milwaukee. Not trying to downplay Milwaukee, but after seeing St. Louis in the playoffs, it changes things.” – Dodgers manager Don Mattingly
LIVE BETTING or SITUATIONAL BETTING
Keep an eye on Los Angeles starter Brett Anderson, you know the Cardinals will. Anderson was evaluated by trainers in the fifth inning of his last outing giving the Dodgers another injury scare on the mound. Anderson uncorked a wild pitch and appeared to tweak his back, but stayed in the game after throwing three warmup pitches. Anderson tossed a season-high seven innings in the game and didn’t appear to be unnerved by the circumstances. But back issues are always tricky and even with ample time between starts for treatment, one crazy move on the hill can mess it up. Watch for the Cards to test Anderson early with a few bunt attempts.
PROP TALK
The Dodgers get perhaps the weakest link in the Cards rotation in Carlos Martinez, though he’s been pretty good lately. One player who can get to Martinez is Adrian Gonzalez, who continues to put impressive numbers on a team that had some recent struggles at the plate. Gonzo goes about the business of hitting and driving in runs without much fanfare and he’s been doing it for a decade now. Gonzalez leads the Dodgers in hitting and RBIs and goes the other way better than any left-handed hitter in baseball making the shift useless against him. Look for Gonzo to stroke a few hits Sunday.
ANALYSIS AND PREDICTION
Brett Anderson has proven to be a great off-season signing, especially with the season-ending losses of starters Hyun-jin Ryu and Brandon McCarthy. The Dodgers are counting on him for more with those two out of service and he’s delivered. He’s already started more games than in any of the previous three seasons and has commanded his off-speed pitches.
Carlos Martinez hasn’t allowed a run in his last two outings and, although he’s a solid end of the rotation guy, that’s not typical based on his career numbers. He’s due to give up a few runs and the Dodgers will take advantage for the win.
Los Angeles 6, St. Louis 3
The MLB odds for this game will be available first at BookMaker Sportsbook. Gamble on the game between every half inning with BookMaker’s live betting feature. Along with an adjusted in-game moneyline, you can wager on what will happen in the next at-bat or how many runs will be scored in the next inning. Live betting is the most exciting way to play!
Load your betting bankroll from your smartphone with BookMaker’s new cashier feature! Depositing and withdrawing funds from your account has never been easier. BookMaker's live betting platform means you always have access to odds and lines to every sporting event. Click here and start wagering today! First pitch for the game between the Los Angeles Dodgers and St. Louis Cardinals is scheduled for Sunday, May 31, 2015, at 2:15 p.m. ET at Busch Stadium. You can watch the contest live on the MLB Network.
