Cubs vs. Dodgers: Game 2 predictions, odds and picks — Sept. 10, MLB 2024

The Chicago Cubs and Los Angeles Dodgers don't seem to be in the same stratosphere this season, but that didn't matter on Monday night. The Cubs blitzed the Dodgers and won 10-4 in a pretty significant upset. It prevented the Dodgers from maintaining their hold on MLB's best record, which could be very significant in October.

As the two sides enter the second game, the Dodgers will try to avoid a shocking and humbling series loss. The Cubs will try to continue inching closer to a postseason spot, as they're not completely out of it yet. Here's what you need to know about Tuesday's game.

---

Dodgers vs. Cubs recent form and records

The Chicago Cubs are beginning to heat up a little bit. They've won six of their last 10, including two in a row. That includes a massive win in Game 1 over the Dodgers, which is a major confidence booster. The Cubs are 8.5 games back in the division and five back in the Wild Card.

On the other hand, the Dodgers are also 6-4 in their last 10. They are on a one-game losing streak. They're tied for the best record in baseball and 5.5 games up on the San Diego Padres.

---

Players to watch

Starting pitchers

Shota Imanaga (12-3, 2.99 ERA, 155 SO) vs. TBD

Shota Imanaga is the probable starter for the Chicago Cubs. He has been very good this season and boasts a 1.017 WHIP. His last start was part of a combined no-hitter. He tossed seven no-hit innings with seven strikeouts and two walks.

Career vs. Dodgers: Three innings pitched, zero runs, two hits, four strikeouts.

Yoshinobu Yamamoto

Yoshinobu Yamamoto is expected to make his Dodgers return (Imagn)

The Dodgers are expected to activate and start Yoshinobu Yamamoto, who's been out since June 15 but carries a 2.92 ERA and a 6-2 record. He also has 84 strikeouts and a 1.068 WHIP.

Career vs. Cubs: 1-0, five innings pitched, eight strikeouts, three hits, zero runs, two walks.

---

Must-watch Hitters

Dodgers

Mookie Betts has nine hits in the last week and has recorded eight RBIs with them. He has five runs scored, three home runs (six SBH), four walks and just three strikeouts during that time.

Shohei Ohtani has two home runs and seven hits in the last seven days. The Dodgers DH has added two walks and three RBIs during that span.

Freddie Freeman is coming off an excellent game. The slugger only recorded one at-bat and produced a hit, but he also walked three times for a perfect on-base percentage.

Cubs

Over the last week, Cody Bellinger is seven for 20. He has a double, two home runs, and five RBIs, and four walks to three strikeouts during those games as well.

This season, Nico Hoerner is five for 15 against the Dodgers. He has three runs scored and a walk recorded in the four games he has played against tonight's opponent.

Nico Hoerner has hit well vs. the Dodgers (Imagn)

Michael Busch has also hit well against the Dodgers. He's recorded seven hits in 16 at-bats so far, with two home runs, three doubles, seven RBIs and a walk.

---

Cubs vs. Dodgers baseball betting odds

Moneyline	Run Spread	Total Runs
Cubs +145	Cubs +1.5	Cubs Over 8 -110
Dodgers -175	Dodgers -1.5	Dodgers Under 8 -110

---

Cubs vs. Dodgers expert picks and game prediction

The Dodgers and Cubs have a talent gap. Their rosters are not equal in talent, despite last night's outcome. That suggests that the Dodgers should return to form and the Cubs may regress to the mean as well. The odds seem to expect that.

There is rust to be expected if Yoshinobu Yamamoto is the starting pitcher. However, he showed early in the season that he is a great player. He is up against fellow Japanese starter Shota Imanaga, who has been good all season.

The game should be a tight affair since these two pitchers will likely have good outings. The game will come down to which offense can make an impact in the few key spots they get, and that leans toward the Dodgers.

Prediction: Dodgers 3, Cubs 2