On Friday, July 18, the Los Angeles Dodgers host the Milwaukee Brewers in what promises to be one of the most tense games of the MLB schedule. Both teams are well positioned in their divisions, but come in at very different moments in terms of mood. While the Californians are looking to shake off a string of poor results, the Milwaukee Brewers are coming off a winning streak that has established them as a dangerous opponent away from home.
The game will take place at the iconic Dodger Stadium and will be played at 10:10 p.m. ET. Despite the bad moment, the Dodgers start as favorites due to their home venue and recent history in duels between the two teams. However, the Brewers have shown that they can surprise when they are well positioned from the mound.
Dodgers: Urgency To React
The Los Angeles Dodgers remain one of the strongest teams of the season in terms of overall balance, but the last few games have left more doubts than certainties. With a record of 58-39, the numbers are not worrying yet, but the recent trend is: only three wins in their last ten games.
One of the main problems has been their offense, which has slowed down. During this last stage they have averaged only three runs per game, far from their usual average of more than five. In addition, the bullpen has allowed too many liberties, with an average of 5.7 runs conceded per game, which has made it difficult to close victories.
On the plus side, they will be playing at home, where they have been more solid. And although the level has dropped, having players like Shohei Ohtani, Will Smith or Mookie Betts is a guarantee that any night they can recover their best version.
Brewers: Winning streak and a lot of order
Unlike its rival, Milwaukee arrives with confidence sky-high. Eight wins in their last ten games speak of an in-form team that has found the perfect balance between offense and defense. Their 56-40 record keeps them fighting at the top of the NL Central division.
The great merit of the Brewers has been their consistency. They score an average of five runs per game and concede only 2.6. This translates into well managed games from the mound, with a solid defense and hitters who don't waste opportunities.
One of the keys to this game will be the performance of Quinn Priester, the pitcher charged with slowing down the Dodgers' high-powered offense. If he can control Ohtani and company, the Brewers could have a path to another road win.
Recent Performance Comparison
| Statistics | Dodgers | Brewers |
|---|---|---|
| Overall record | 58-39 | 56-40 |
| Last 10 games | 3-7 | 8-2 |
| Runs per game (last 10) | 3.0 | 5.0 |
| Runs received per game | 5.7 | 2.6 |
| Last confrontation (July 9) | Lost 2-3 | They won 3-2 |
Figures to Watch in Both Teams
This match also promises interesting individual duels. Although there are several stars in both squads, some players are in better form than others.
Before going over the names, it is worth noting that the offense of both teams has very different profiles: the Dodgers rely heavily on power, while the Brewers stand out for their contact and discipline at bat.
Dodgers
- Shohei Ohtani: The Japanese player leads the team in home runs (32) and runs batted in (60), being an offensive reference, even though the team is not in its best shape.
- Will Smith: Averages .323 at bat, being one of the most consistent in the lineup.
- Andy Pages: He has connected hits in several consecutive games and provides offensive depth.
Brewers
- Christian Yelich: Leading the team with 19 HR and 65 RBI, he is the most dangerous bat of the visiting team.
- Jackson Chourio: In great form, he is hitting .378 in his last 10 games, being a constant nightmare for opposing pitchers.
- Sal Frelick: Solid with average (.294), ideal for moving runners and maintaining pressure.
Prediction: Who Will Win?
Based exclusively on the current situation, the Brewers have plenty of arguments to win: strong defense, effective offense and good management from the mound. In addition, they are coming off a win over these same Dodgers a few days ago, which reinforces their confidence.
However, the Dodgers are a team that rarely goes down at home without a fight. With their favorable record against Milwaukee and the talent they possess, they have a chance to turn their slump around if they can adjust from the get-go.
Final prediction: close win for the Dodgers, in a low-run, narrow margin duel.
Estimated score: Dodgers 5 - Brewers 4
Total probable runs: Less than 8.5
A high-level duel that could have the flavor of an early postseason.
