The Dodgers lost for the first time I 8 games last night. They’ve allowed 15 runs in their last 2 starts, which is more than in the previous 6. They are hitting a ton, with an .845 OPS over the last seven games. The high total of runs given up should end today with Gonsolin (11-0, 1.62) on the mound. Gonsolin has been remarkably consistent, giving up no more than 2 runs in any start. His last two outings were his longest, at 7 and 7.2 innings. Opposing batters are hitting just .157 for the season.

The Cardinals are 3-0 but struggled mightily in their previous 7 games, losing 6 of them. They are not hitting well recently, just .222 BA and .659 OPS over the last two weeks. While they have faced excellent pitching, they have been shut out 4 times in their last 10 games. It doesn’t get any easier vs. Gonsolin today.

Adam Wainwright starts for the Cards. He still gets the job done, although not with quite the same authority he once had. His last start was a very fine 9 inning, 2 run effort, however he struggled in June with opposing hitters at .302 for the month. Of note; in my experience, it is very common for a starter to struggle follow in a complete game performance, and Wainwright is not as consistent as he once was.

I am wagering on the Dodgers today. Albeit a big fan of Wainwrights, Gonsolin has been remarkable this year. The Dodgers have some of the hottest bats in the league at the moment, are a very good road team, and should they need it, have a strong relief corps. Take the favored Dodgers to get back in the win column today