Surprising Dodgers Look to End Lovable Losers’ Season in Game 3

The Los Angeles Dodgers (86-78 SU, 75-83-6 O/U, 82-82 RL) in the opening two games of their NLDS.

Now, in desperate need of a win, on the road no less, The Dodgers will turn to veteran right-hander Rich Harden.

Chicago should be encouraged by the fact that Harden went 2-1 in three September starts covering 17.0 innings, while posting a solid 2.65 ERA over the span.

Harden is 10-2 in 25 starts this season covering 148.0 innings with 181 strikeouts, 61 walks and an ERA of 2.07.

The Dodgers will counter with right-hander Hiroki Kuroda who has made four Septembers starts, covering 27.1 innings while posting a solid 2.96 ERA. Kuroda is 9-10 in 31 starts this season covering 183.1 innings with 116 strikeouts, 42 walks and with a 3.73 ERA.

Here is a look at tonight’s key trends followed by my analysis and MLB Free Picks.

The Cubs are 4-0 in Harden’s last four starts following a Quality Start in his last appearance.

The Cubs are 8-1 in Harden’s last nine starts.

The Dodgers are 4-1 in Kuroda’s last five starts.

The Dodgers are 4-1 in Kuroda’s last five starts on grass.

The Over is 4-0 in Cubs last four vs. National League West.

The Over is 4-1-1 in Kuroda’s last six starts overall.

The Over is 4-1-1 in Kuroda’s last six starts on grass.

The Cubs are 1-4 in the last five meetings.

Analysis: The party is over for the Cubbies MLB bettors! After dropping the first two games of this series with their top two pitchers going for them, Chicago will turn to Harden to lead them to their first victory in this series. However, with the best manager in the game, repeatedly telling his young team that they can accomplish anything, I say the Dodgers close the door on the disappointing Cubs in this contest.

MLB Free Picks: Dodgers 4 Cubs 3