The Los Angeles Dodgers (68-50) visit Angel Stadium on Monday, August 11 to face the Los Angeles Angels (56-62) in the rubber match of the series opener. First pitch is scheduled for 9:38 p.m. ET, with the game airing on SNLA and FDSNW.
Pitching matchup to watch
Yoshinobu Yamamoto (10-7, 2.51 ERA) draws the start for the Dodgers. He’s coming off a scoreless outing in which he allowed five hits, issued no walks and struck out six. The Angels will counter with José Soriano (7-9, 4.01 ERA), who struggled in his most recent start (7 earned runs allowed). Yamamoto’s strong season numbers make him the clear edge on the mound, while Soriano has been more inconsistent.
Context and stakes
Both clubs have sputtered in the second half — the Dodgers are 10-11 and the Angels 9-13 since the break — and each team is eager to stop recent slides. The series carries extra weight for Los Angeles: the Angels swept the Dodgers in three meetings earlier this season, outscoring them 23-15. That history could give the Angels confidence, but the Dodgers enter this game as favorites.
Odds and betting lean
As of Monday, the betting lines show the Dodgers as favorites on the moneyline (-179) while the Angels are +149. The run total is 8.0 and the Dodgers are listed at -1.5 on the spread. Model projections and NBC Sports Bet recommendations for the game are:
– Moneyline: Play Dodgers
– Spread: Lean Angels +1.5 (a pick to cover)
– Total: Play the over 8.0
Key trends
– Angels are 3-0 vs. Dodgers this season
– Dodgers 12-7 in road series openers this year
– The Under is 7-3 in the Dodgers’ last 10 games
– Angels have covered in their last four games against the Dodgers
What to watch in the game
– Can Yamamoto replicate his recent dominant form and limit the Angels’ offense? If so, that tilts the game toward the Dodgers.
– Will the Angels’ earlier-season success against Los Angeles translate again, especially with home-field advantage?
– The contrasting pitching recent lines (Yamamoto’s shutout outing vs. Soriano’s rough start) are a big part of why the model favors the Dodgers on the moneyline while still seeing value in the Angels covering as underdogs.
Short summary
The Dodgers travel to Anaheim to face the Angels in a matchup that pits Yamamoto’s strong season against an inconsistent Soriano. Oddsmakers favor the Dodgers, but the Angels’ earlier sweep and recent cover streak against L.A. keep this game competitive. Models favor the Dodgers on the moneyline, recommend the over 8.0, and see Angels +1.5 as a viable spread play.
Additional comments and context
– Home-field familiarity and split-season momentum mean this series could swing on small margins — a single big inning or bullpen outing could decide it.
– Bettors should factor starter health and any late lineup changes before placing wagers; last-minute scratches can alter matchups substantially.
– For fantasy managers, check starter statuses and bullpen usage after the game — Yamamoto’s strong outing could lower bullpen leverage for the Dodgers in the following days.
Betting reminder
Bet responsibly. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, contact the National Gambling Helpline at 1-800-522-4700.
Hopeful angle
Both clubs can still find positives: the Dodgers can build momentum if Yamamoto controls the early frames, and the Angels can use their earlier success vs. L.A. as proof they can compete when the matchups favor them. Expect a competitive game where small adjustments and timely hitting will matter.