MLB Tokyo Series: Dodgers vs Cubs Odds and Predictions for March 19
The Los Angeles Dodgers (-155) face the Chicago Cubs (+130) in Game 2 of the MLB Tokyo Series on Wednesday at 3:10 am PT from the Tokyo Dome. The game will be broadcast on FS1.
Excited baseball player raising arms triumphantly
Japanese rookie sensation Roki Sasaki makes his MLB debut for the Dodgers against Cubs' Justin Steele (5-5, 3.07 ERA in '24). The run line sits at Dodgers -1.5 (+105) with a total of 8 runs.
Sasaki brings elite stuff to his MLB debut:
- Fastball approaching 100 mph
- Elite split-finger fastball
- 10.5 K/9 in Japanese League
- 0.2 HR/9 rate in JPPL
- Impressed in Spring Training with dominating performance against Reds
The Dodgers' lineup remains potent despite potential absences:
- Mookie Betts (illness) ruled out
- Freddie Freeman (left rib) questionable
- Shohei Ohtani went 2-for-5 with two runs in opener
- Strong performances from Smith, Hernandez, and Conforto in Game 1
The Cubs' offensive struggles continue:
- No hits after 3rd inning in Game 1
- Only one run in series opener
- Just five runs total in two exhibition games vs Japanese teams
- Facing tough matchup against Sasaki's elite arsenal
Prediction: Take Dodgers (-155) to complete the sweep. Chicago's cold bats will struggle against Sasaki's unique pitching style, while LA's deep lineup should continue their success against left-handed pitching (.460 SLG, .800 OPS vs LHP in 2024).