Los Angeles Dodgers vs San Francisco: The fundamental rivals will approach the game as committed as possible

The National League West Division rivals will begin their first head-to-head series of the new season. Who will be stronger in the first game? There are several betting options at the same time. 

Dave Roberts' team has had two series against not the strongest opponents ahead of their first meeting of the season against San Francisco. First, the Dodgers lost on the road to Arizona (4-0, 3-5, 1-3). Then they took on Detroit (5-1, 1-5, 6-3). Three wins in six games against inferior teams are not the best result. However, the value of victories in those encounters is much lower than in games, especially divisional ones, against equally-ranked opponents. The Dodgers now have 14-7 overall and first place in the NL West and the entire National League.

Julio Urias will pitch for LAD in the upcoming game. In four starts in 2022, the Mexican is 1-1 and has a 2.50 ERA.

Like the Dodgers, the Giants appear to have prepared purposefully for a head-to-head meeting with a major rival. They haven't particularly paid attention to the results of the recent series. First, Gabe Kapler's team exchanged home victories with Auckland (8-2, 0-1). Then they lost 2 of 3 at home to Washington (4-14, 9-3, 5-11). Overall, San Francisco is now 14-8, third in the division behind the Dodgers and San Diego, and fifth in the entire National League.

Carlos Rodon, a former Chicago White Sox pitcher, will pitch for San Francisco in the upcoming game. In four starts in the new league, the 29-year-old left-hander is 3-0 with just a 1.17 ERA.

The first game of the series in the regular season sets its tone. So the moral rivals will approach this game as responsibly as possible. The Dodgers and Giants played out their recent encounters in energy-saving fashion and will now come out on top at Dodger Stadium. Increased concentration plus top pitchers Urias and Rodon in the starting lineup guarantees low-scoring performance.

• Total Under 7.5 for 1.60;
• Total Under 3.5 runs after 5 innings for 1.99;
• There will be an overtime - yes for 7.30.

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