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The Cincinnati Reds (19-25) and Los Angeles Dodgers (29-17) play the 2nd contest of a 4-game series Friday at Dodger Stadium. First pitch is scheduled for 10:10 p.m. ET (MLB Network). Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Reds vs. Dodgers odds and make our expert MLB picks and predictions for the best bets.
Season series: Reds lead 1-0
The Reds picked up a 7-2 victory as heavy +260 underdogs in the series opener Thursday behind opener RHP Brent Suter and a solid effort from 6 relievers, while star SS Elly De La Cruz had a 4-hit game with 3 runs, a walk, an RBI and a career-high 4 stolen bases.
The Dodgers saw their 7-game win streak snapped with the loss, while the Reds picked up just their 3rd win in the past 12 games against National League West foes.
Los Angeles has scuffled at the plate in the past 2 games, plating just 3 runs, which is the team’s worst back-to-back total of the season. The Dodgers are looking to avoid tying a season-high 3-game losing skid, which they set back from April 17-20.
Reds at Dodgers projected starters
RHP Frankie Montas vs. LHP James Paxton
Montas (2-3, 4.20 ERA) makes his 8th start. He has a 1.37 WHIP, 3.6 BB/9 and 7.2 K/9 in 30 innings.
- Last start: No-decision, 4 2/3 IP, 5 R (4 ER), 7 H, 1 HR, 1 BB, 3 K in 6-5 loss in 10 innings at San Francisco Giants Sunday
- 2024 road splits: 1-1, 7.30 ERA (12 1/3 IP, 10 ER), 1.95 WHIP, .300 opponents’ batting average, 9 BB, 9 K across in 3 starts
Paxton (5-0, 2.58 ERA) makes his 8th start. He has a 1.41 WHIP, 5.6 BB/9 and 5.2 K/9 in 38 1/3 innings.
- Last start: Win, 6 IP, 0 ER, 4 H, 0 BB, 4 K in 5-0 road win at San Diego Padres Saturday
- 2024 home splits: 2-0, 2.16 ERA (16 2/3 IP, 4 ER), 1.62 WHIP, .214 opponents’ batting average, 15 BB, 9 K in 3 starts
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Reds at Dodgers odds
Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 5:29 p.m. ET.
- Moneyline (ML): Reds +155 (bet $100 to win $155) | Dodgers -190 (bet $190 to win $100)
- Run line (RL)/Against the spread (ATS): Reds +1.5 (-120) | Dodgers -1.5 (+100)
- Over/Under (O/U): 8.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)
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Reds at Dodgers picks and predictions
Prediction
Dodgers 5, Reds 2
Moneyline
The Dodgers (-190) are just a little too expensive, costing nearly 2 times your potential return. While Paxton is 5-0 on the season, he has been doing it with mirrors, and he just doesn’t have overpowering stuff.
The Reds (+155) have given the Dodgers problems in recent seasons, and they’re flying high after Thursday’s series-opening win. Cincinnati’s victory as a heavy +262 underdog should serve as a cautionary tale why one should never back a heavy favorite — the Dodgers were -292 faves Thursday. Over the long term it’s a losing betting strategy.
AVOID.
Run line/Against the spread
The DODGERS -1.5 (+100) are a better play at even-money on the run line.
While Los Angeles has had some issues plating runs lately, it could have a watershed moment against Montas, who has been very giving on the road in particular. The Dodgers offense is too powerful to struggle for much longer.
Over/Under
UNDER 8.5 (-110) is a solid play in Game 2 of this series.
The Dodgers have totaled just 3 runs in the past 2 games, and the Under has cashed at a 5-3 clip in the past 8 games for Los Angeles.
For the Reds, the Under is 8-4-1 in the past 13 games, including 6-3-1 in the past 10 against NL West opponents.
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For more sports betting picks and tips, check out SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW.
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