Cubs, Dodgers Clash in Deciding Game on Sunday Night

LOS ANGELES, Calif. — The Chicago Cubs and Los Angeles Dodgers are set for a climactic third game in their weekend series on Sunday Night Baseball. This matchup follows contrasting outcomes as the Dodgers claimed a 3-0 victory on Friday, but the Cubs rebounded with an impressive 16-0 triumph on Saturday.

With a season record of 10-7, the Cubs currently sit tied for second in the National League Central, having posted an 83-79 record last year. The team’s righthander, who is yet to make an appearance on the mound this season, will take the start on Sunday. Meanwhile, the Dodgers, who lead the NL West at 11-5 and are the reigning World Series champions from 2024 with a record of 98-64, will have their righthander, currently at 1-0 with a 6.43 ERA, aimed to secure another win at home.

First pitch is scheduled for 7:10 p.m. ET at Dodger Stadium, where oddsmakers have established the Dodgers as -235 favorites (risking $235 to win $100) and set the over/under for the game at 8.5 runs. Before placing any bets, fans are encouraged to review the latest predictions from SportsLine’s proven betting model.

The SportsLine Projection Model, which simulates each game 10,000 times, enters the 2025 season with a record of 34-19 on top-rated run-line picks, amounting to a profit of +629 dating back to 2023. Those following the model have seen substantial returns, especially as the Cubs and Dodgers bring their strong offensive capabilities into this matchup.

Statistically, Los Angeles has been first to score in two of their last three encounters against the Cubs. Historically, the Dodgers have capitalized on their matchups against Cubs starter Ben Rea, who has a career 6.37 ERA in seven previous outings against them, including four starts.

This season, both teams are ranked within the top 10 in scoring. The Cubs lead the league with 112 runs scored, while the Dodgers are ranked seventh with 72. Furthermore, Chicago’s Tucker is tied for third in the MLB with 18 RBIs, and Los Angeles’ Teoscar Hernandez is sixth with 16 RBIs.

“The offensive consistency is key,” noted a spokesperson for SportsLine. “Chicago and Los Angeles demonstrated intriguing dynamics in their recent matchups, with scoring patterns favoring over the predicted total.”

Fans and bettors alike are keenly watching how both teams perform following their respective recent games. As this season continues, the stakes are also raised due to the ongoing discussions regarding extensions for Cubs star Kyle Tucker, projected to demand around $500 to $550 million if he hits free agency, showcasing the competitive environment surrounding both teams.

Injury updates also play a critical role in this matchup, particularly for the Cubs, who placed lefty starter Justin Steele on the injured list due to concerns regarding his elbow. In Los Angeles, the return of iconic player Freddie Freeman adds a familiar strength to the Dodgers’ lineup.

As the Cubs aim for a series win while the Dodgers look to solidify their home advantage, baseball fans and sports bettors will be tuning in to see how this pivotal game unfolds.