Cubs vs Dodgers Prediction 5 August 2026
📡 Chicago have taken the first two games of the series, posting 10-5 and 5-1 wins. The Cubs improve to 65-49, while the Dodgers suffer their fifth straight defeat. After a high-scoring opener, both teams slowed down considerably in Game 2. The series finale sees two lefties on the mound: Shota Imanaga and Eric Lauer. Their presence hints at another low-scoring contest.
Head-to-Head
📊 Chicago have taken six of the last ten head-to-head meetings, while Los Angeles have come out on top in four. Scoring has varied widely in this stretch: we’ve seen high-scoring affairs like 10-5 and 11-10, but also lopsided results such as 5-1, 4-1, 3-0, and 6-0. The second game of the current series produced just six runs. The final total will likely hinge on whether the starting pitchers can each go at least five innings.
Head-to-head statistics Cubs - Dodgers
Chicago Cubs Team Overview
The Cubs have strung together back-to-back wins, conceding just six runs over the series. After blasting four home runs in the opener, the hosts found success thanks to solid pitching and clutch hitting. Chicago don’t need to force the offense again if Imanaga keeps the score tight. That scenario would allow the home side to manage their bullpen more efficiently and avoid a high-scoring shootout.
Match Results: Chicago Cubs
Los Angeles Dodgers Team Overview
The Dodgers are on a five-game losing streak and managed just a single run on Tuesday. Their lineup remains stacked, but they're currently struggling to drive runners home. Lauer holds a 4.50 ERA and doesn't offer the visitors a lock-down start, though he's capable of limiting Chicago to a handful of runs. For a low-scoring outcome, Los Angeles need to avoid the early collapses that have plagued them in recent games.
Match Results: Los Angeles Dodgers
⚾ Starting Pitchers
Shota Imanaga takes the mound with a 7-9 record, a 3.67 ERA, and 119 strikeouts. The left-hander excels at dictating the game’s tempo and limiting free passes. His losing record is as much a reflection of inconsistent run support as it is of his own pitching.
Eric Lauer enters with a 6-5 record, a 4.50 ERA, and 56 strikeouts. While his numbers are less impressive, he’s capable of stringing together solid innings when his command is on point. The main concern for Lauer is Chicago’s power-having already launched four home runs in the opening game of the series.
⭐ Editorial Prediction
The first game in the series produced 15 runs, so another high-scoring contest can't be ruled out. However, the second matchup saw just six runs, and the Dodgers are currently on a five-game losing streak, struggling to find their rhythm at the plate. Imanaga owns a 3.67 ERA and looks capable of containing the visitors after their lackluster showing on Tuesday. Lauer may not be quite as reliable, but with the total set at 9.5, there's still a cushion even if a few runs are conceded. For this pick to land, it's crucial that both starting pitchers make it through at least five innings. Our choice is the under 9.5 total runs.
No comments
Betting Tips: Chicago Cubs - Los Angeles Dodgers
in last 5 away games against Chicago Cubs (MLB).in last 5 games (MLB)..svg)
in 12 of last 14 Chicago Cubs home games against Los Angeles Dodgers.in last 5 home games against Los Angeles Dodgers (MLB).in 6 of last 7 Chicago Cubs games (MLB).Other predictions
