TOM STRYKER’S FREE BASEBALL SELECTION FRIDAY, JUNE 25TH
#916 LA DODGERS with Gonsolin (-167) over Chicago with Arrieta at 10:10 PM EST
In a bad mood off four consecutive losses including last night’s 4-0 combined “no-no” against the Cubs, the Dodgers will rally the troops and pick up a crucial victory in their own backyard. Los Angeles is a whopping 4.5-games back in the NL West and manager Dave Roberts knows his kids need to stay within reach of San Francisco.
Young right-hander Tony Gonsolin will toe the rubber for LA. So far this season, No. 26 has made three June starts and been nicked for three earned runs and nine hits in 9.0 innings. Gonsolin has whiffed 11 and walked eight and posted an 0-0 mark with a 3.00 ERA. In his lone performance at home against Philadelphia back on June 14th, Tony was touched for only one earned run and four hits in 3.2 frames. Gonsolin struck out five but failed to earn a decision in the Dodgers 3-1 victory.
Countering for the Cubbies will be struggling righty Jake Arrieta. So far this month, No. 49 has battled the Marlins, Mets, Padres, and Giants and been hammered for 15 earned runs and 20 hits in 15.0 innings of work. Arrieta has fanned 15 and walked seven on his way to a woeful 0-3 mark and an elevated 9.00 ERA. Pitching under the lights has given Jake fits too. At night, Arrieta has been zapped for 26 earned runs and 36 hits in 31.1 innings of work. That’s bad enough for a 3-4 tally with an ugly 7.47 ERA.
There are numerous team trends that back this Best Bet. Los Angeles has won 87 of its last 119 at home when facing a right-handed starter, 48 of its last 68 as home chalk, 58 of its last 84 after scoring two runs or less, and 27 of its last 40 in the second game of a series. On the other side of the yard, Chicago has dropped 14 of its last 20 when priced as a road underdog.
Quietly, the Cubs have won four straight in this series. That mini streak will end abruptly here. Take Los Angeles with Gonsolin. Thanks and best of luck, Tom.
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