Los Angeles Dodgers vs. Pittsburgh Pirates – MLB, June 8, 2021

The Los Angeles Dodgers can’t afford to keep messing around. The defending champs are still a rock solid 34-25 on the year, but they’re just 4-6 over their last 10 games.

L.A. is in fine shape overall, but they have two teams trying to stop them from winning the NL West. Hopefully, a trip to PNC Park to take on the Pittsburgh Pirates will be just what they need.

Pittsburgh, on the other hand, is going nowhere. They’re a fine 5-5 over their last 10, but they’re just 23-35 on the year, and 13-16 at home. They don’t have the pitching or offense to strike fear into the Dodgers, but they’ll have to try when the two slides face off on Tuesday.

For a breakdown of this game, as well as a prediction and betting pick, read on.

The odds say it all, and nobody should be shocked. The Dodgers are the way more talented team, and they’re expected to win this game.

BetOnline prices L.A. as a sizable favorite, but it’s honestly arguable that their odds aren’t as good as they should be. There is meat on the bone for bettors here, although the moneyline may be the only bet to target.

The game total also doesn’t look particularly inviting. Walker Buehler’s presence does drive the scoring down considerably, but J.T. Brubaker could go either way in this tough matchup.

The Dodgers have been floundering a bit for the past couple of weeks. The good news? They’re getting a little healthier, as Cody Bellinger has been heating up with five hits over his last five games, and one of them was of the slam variety.

Belli is a welcome bat, but this remains a pretty stacked Dodgers offense. They get a sharp park downgrade, but they face righty in Brubaker that has struggled with the long ball (10 homers allowed)

Even if Brubaker can weather the storm, the sorry sack Pirates offense (dead last in home runs and 29th in scoring) have to contend with Walker Buehler.

This game really sticks out on the board at the best MLB betting sites, simply because the Dodgers aren’t even priced at -200.

That looks like good value to me, as the Dodgers still have a fully capable offense that can explode any time out, and Buehler should be able to completely dominate a punchless Pirates lineup.

PNC Park doesn’t explode very often, and I can’t ignore Brubaker has been spot on at home (2.01 ERA), but this is the Dodgers we’re talking about. I just can’t get away from that -185 price in this spot.