Free Picks: San Francisco Giants vs. Los Angeles Dodgers

The Dodgers and Giants are in the middle of a heated race for top spot in the NL West. With both teams sending out their ace to the mound on Sunday, I expect to see a pitching battle that may not be matched for the remainder of the season. LA and San Francisco are monsters at the dish, but do they have what it takes to challenge the prowess of Gausman and Kershaw?

Looking at the standings of the NL West, the west coast has been feasting on the remaining MLB teams. The Giants and Dodgers are not only two of the best teams in the division, but two of the best teams in professional baseball. 

Pitching is obviously integral to team success, and that is why the Dodgers have been dominant this season. Clayton Kershaw gets the start for LA on Sunday. Kershaw is 7-3 on the season with a 2.94 ERA. Kershaw is also 3-1 at Dodger Stadium this season. 

The Giants will send the staggering Kevin Gausman to the mound. Gausman has been lights out in San Fran, with a perfect 5-0 record, a dominating 76 K’s, and an impressive 1.53 ERA. 

Gausman is known for his quality starts as well. The RHP has completed six innings in 9 of 10 starts for the Giants this season.  

For this free MLB pick, I think focusing on total runs will be intelligent. 

Gausman and Kershaw are studs on the mound and I expect no different on Sunday. Kershaw has fooled the best hitters in the sport, while Gausman is off to the best start of his career. 

The over/under is relatively low at 7.5, but I don’t think that matters much with who is on the mound. 

Of course, the Dodgers and Giants own two of the best offenses in the sport as well, but they could be outmatched in this game. 

I am confident that the under will cash for this expert MLB pick.

My only concern will be when the bullpen is used. Around the 7-inning mark is when we should see the Dodgers look towards the bullpen. The same could be said for the Giants and Gausman. But if both pitchers do their job, I see it being a tough day at the plate for both teams. 

• Gausman and Kershaw have a combined ERA of 4.47
• Kershaw has a 2.81 ERA at Dodger Stadium this season.
• Gausman has a 0.81 ERA on the road in 2021.
• Kershaw and Gausman combine for over 20 K’s per game.