Game Overview
The Dodgers have dominated the series so far, winning Game 1 (7-2) and Game 2 (9-5), powered by Shohei Ohtani’s league-leading 20th home run and strong offensive performances from Max Muncy and Michael Conforto. Cleveland, meanwhile, has struggled, dropping three straight games despite Jose Ramirez extending his hitting streak to 20 games.
Starting Pitchers
| Team | Pitcher | Record | ERA | WHIP | Strikeouts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dodgers | Clayton Kershaw (LHP) | 0-0 | 7.50 | 1.50 | 6 |
| Guardians | Slade Cecconi (RHP) | 1-1 | TBD | TBD | TBD |
Kershaw is making his third start of the season, looking to bounce back after a rough outing against the Mets. Cecconi was originally scheduled to start but was scratched due to a groin injury, leaving Cleveland’s rotation uncertain.
Team Comparisons
| Category | Dodgers | Guardians |
|---|---|---|
| Record | 34-21 | 29-25 |
| Runs Per Game | 5.6 | 4.1 |
| Batting Average | .264 | .230 |
| Home Runs | 87 | 56 |
| ERA | 3.89 | 4.12 |
| Bullpen ERA | 3.44 | 3.55 |
The Dodgers lead MLB in home runs (87) and rank second in slugging percentage (.461), while Cleveland has struggled offensively, ranking 22nd in slugging percentage (.374).
Key Players to Watch
Los Angeles Dodgers
- Shohei Ohtani (DH) – 20 HR, 33 RBI, .295 AVG.
- Mookie Betts (SS) – 8 HR, 24 RBI, .258 AVG.
- Will Smith (C) – 2 HR, 7 RBI in his last 10 games.
Cleveland Guardians
- Jose Ramirez (3B) – 9 HR, 26 RBI, 20-game hitting streak.
- Carlos Santana (1B) – 2 HR, 8 RBI in his last 10 games.
- Gabriel Arias (SS) – 3-for-7 in the series, 5 total bases.
Matchup Breakdown
- Dodgers’ Power vs. Guardians’ Pitching – Los Angeles leads MLB in home runs, while Cleveland’s pitching staff ranks 15th in ERA (4.12).
- Guardians’ Contact Hitting vs. Dodgers’ Defense – Cleveland has a 19-10 record when recording at least eight hits, but Los Angeles is 25-4 when they out-hit their opponents.
- Bullpen Battle – Both teams have solid relief pitching, making late-game execution crucial.
Game Odds
Los Angeles Dodgers – 162
Cleveland Guardians 9
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Tuesday, May 27, 2025
