Los Angeles Dodgers vs Cincinnati Reds Prediction 7-30-23 MLB Picks

The Cincinnati Reds and the Los Angeles Dodgers meet Sunday in MLB action from Dodger Stadium. This game marks the finale in a three-game weekend series. In the Friday opener, the Reds powered out a close win. In game two, LA evened things up with a close victory of their own. Check back all season long for free MLB picks at  Sports Chat Place.

Cincinnati Reds 

The Reds scored in just two innings Friday but were able to hang on for a 6-5 victory in the opener. TJ Friedl and Jake Fraley (homer) each had two RBI along the way. In the Saturday game two matchup, Cincinnati came back from an early 2-0 deficit but ultimately fell short in an odd 3-2 loss. Kevin Newman and Spencer Steer posted the team’s only RBI.

In the starter slot for the Sunday finale the Reds will call on Graham Ashcraft. Over his 19 starts this year Ashcraft is 5-7 with a 5.64 ERA and 74 strikeouts over 99.0 innings. Ashraft took a no-decision versus the Brewers in his last start with two earned in 5.1 innings. 

Los Angeles Dodgers 

Over on the Dodgers’ side, they made a valiant effort at a comeback in the Friday game but ultimately fell short. Freddie Freeman had two RBI, two hits and a run in the loss, and Amed Rosario added two hits, one run and one RBI. On Saturday Los Angeles had just two hits in the game: both were Max Muncy home runs to provide a strange finish. Freddie Freeman posted the other run. 

Michael Grove will take the starter role for the Dodgers on Sunday. Across 13 games (10 starts) thus far Grove is 2-2 with a 6.19 ERA and 53 strikeouts over 56.2 innings. Grove gave up two earned in 4.2 innings versus the Blue Jays in his last start for a no-decision. 

ANDREW’S FREE PICK 

I’m going to take a stab on the Reds here. I could probably go either way, though; it should be another good matchup. Ashcraft is doing well these days on the mound, with five earned combined over his last 17.1 innings on 15 hits and eight walks. Grove has hit the groove pretty well over his last pair with 9.2 innings and three earned total. I wouldn’t be surprised to see both starters walk away with quality outings in the finale. On Saturday Cincinnati wasted an excellent pitching performance due to an odd sequence of events in a tough-luck loss. There’s plenty to build on offensively as well, as seven different Reds players had a hit. I like Cincinnati's chances to bounce back in game three to take the series, but it should be another close one.