MLB Predictions 2012: Los Angeles Dodgers vs. Arizona Diamondbacks

The Los Angeles Dodgers (29-13) and Arizona Diamondbacks (19-24) continue a three-game National League West series on Tuesday night at Chase Field, with the first pitch scheduled for 9:40 ET

Los Angeles Dodgers at Arizona Diamondbacks 

The Arizona Diamondbacks are now 10.5 games back of the Los Angeles Dodgers in the NL West division

Los Angeles has won five games in a row, scoring at least six runs in all of those contests, including a 6-1 road victory over Arizona on Monday night.  The Dodgers are getting by just fine without star outfielder Matt Kemp, who has missed the last eight games due to a hamstring injury that placed him on the 15-day disabled list.  “Right now, it’s just momentum,” stated Dodgers manager Don Mattingly.  “You get momentum, then you’re playing with a purpose.”  The club has really been jumping on opponents this season, posting a 24-6 record when scoring first, which is the best such mark among NL teams.  Los Angeles is 19-5 versus right-handed starters and the “over” is 12-10 in that situation.

Dodgers starting pitcher Aaron Harang (3-2, 3.83 ERA) has won two consecutive starts, including an 8-1 road win over the San Diego Padres last time out, tossing seven shutout innings and scattering four hits.  The right-hander has tallied a 2-2 record and 4.03 ERA in five road outings, allowing just a single home run in 29 frames.  In 13 career appearances (12 starts) versus the Diamondbacks, Harang is 3-6 with a 1.99 ERA, including a 1-3 mark and 1.38 ERA in four outings at Chase Field.

Arizona has dropped 10.5 games back of Los Angeles in the divisional standings, something that the clubhouse is definitely aware of at this point.  “We’re capable,” commented Diamondbacks infielder Willie Bloomquist.  “We just have to get on a roll.”  There’s certainly plenty of time for a turnaround, considering the team entered last night’s game with the same record that it possessed when capturing the division a year ago.  Arizona is 28-14 as a home favorite of -125 to -150 over the last two-plus seasons, with the “under” going 28-12 in that situation.

Diamondbacks starting pitcher Trevor Cahill (2-4, 4.01 ERA) is coming off a no-decision effort in a 9-7 road win over the Colorado Rockies, allowing four runs and five hits over five frames.  The right-hander has tallied a dismal 0-3 mark and 6.48 ERA in three home starts, issuing seven walks and striking out seven in 16.2 innings.  Cahill earned a win in his only career start against the Dodgers on June 17, 2009, at Dodger Stadium.

Bettors will likely back the Dodgers due to their 20-8 mark versus divisional opponents, while the Diamondbacks are 0-5 in their last five games as a home favorite.

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