Matchup: Houston Astros (52–35) vs. Los Angeles Dodgers (56–32)
Date: Friday, July 4, 2025
Time: 9:10 PM ET
Venue: Dodger Stadium, Los Angeles, CA
Watch: MLB Network, SportsNet LA, AT&T SportsNet Southwest
Game Overview
The Los Angeles Dodgers and Houston Astros kick off a highly anticipated three-game interleague series on Independence Day. Both teams are among the hottest in baseball—Dodgers are 9–1 in their last 10, while the Astros are 8–2, riding a dominant June performance.
This is the first meeting between the two clubs in 2025, and it features two of the best records in the league. The Dodgers are 33–14 at home, while the Astros are 20–21 on the road.
Starting Pitching Matchup
Ben Casparius (Dodgers)
- Record: 6–2
- ERA: 3.97
- WHIP: 1.13
- Strikeouts: 54 in 65.2 IP
- Last Start: 6.2 IP, 1 ER vs. Giants
Casparius has been a revelation in the Dodgers’ injury-riddled rotation. He’s held opponents to 3 runs or fewer in 8 of his last 9 starts and owns a 2.35 ERA at Dodger Stadium.
Lance McCullers Jr. (Astros)
- Record: 1–3
- ERA: 6.61
- WHIP: 1.62
- Strikeouts: 40 in 49 IP
- Last Start: 5 IP, 5 ER vs. Rays
McCullers is still working his way back from injury and has struggled with command and hard contact. He’s allowed 4+ earned runs in 4 of his last 6 starts and faces a Dodgers lineup that ranks top 5 in OPS.
Key Hitters to Watch
Dodgers
- Shohei Ohtani: 30 HR, .288 AVG, .656 SLG
- 3rd in MLB in HR, 17th in RBI
- Freddie Freeman: .294 AVG, 46 XBH, 51 RBI
- Will Smith: .324 AVG, 15 HR, .537 SLG
- Andy Pages: 58 RBI, .483 SLG, 4-game hit streak
Astros
- Isaac Paredes: 17 HR, 47 RBI, .395 xSLG
- Jose Altuve: .262 AVG, 13 HR, .373 xSLG
- Victor Caratini: 3 HR, 9 RBI in last 10 games
- Cam Smith: .291 AVG, 7 HR, 14 2B
Team Stats & Trends
| Category | Astros | Dodgers |
|---|---|---|
| Team Batting Avg | .270 (Top 5 MLB) | .249 (Top 10 MLB) |
| Runs Per Game (L10) | 4.2 | 6.2 |
| Team ERA | 3.94 | 3.64 |
| Bullpen ERA | 4.11 | 3.89 |
| Last 10 Games | 8–2 | 9–1 |
| Home/Road Record | 20–21 (Road) | 33–14 (Home) |
The Dodgers have the edge in starting pitching, bullpen depth, and home-field advantage. While the Astros are swinging hot bats, McCullers’ inconsistency makes them a risky bet on the road.
Betting Trends
- Dodgers are 31–14 when favored by -180 or more
- Astros are 14–11 as underdogs this season
- Over is 4–2 in Astros’ last 6 games
- Dodgers are 8–2 in their last 10 as favorites
Game Odds
Houston Astros 9
Los Angeles Dodgers – 187
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Thursday, July 3, 2025
