AP Sports Preview: Cubs at Dodgers

LOS ANGELES (Interstat) — The Chicago Cubs and Los Angeles Dodgers, both owning 17-9 records, meet Sunday evening at Dodger Stadium to decide a three-game series. First pitch is scheduled for 7:10 p.m. under cloudy skies and 64-degree temperatures.

The Cubs, who evened the series with a 6-4 victory Friday, have not announced a definitive starter. Left-hander Shota Imanaga (2-1) or left-hander Justin Wrobleski (3-0) are listed as possible starters. Imanaga is coming off a quality start while Wrobleski is undefeated in four appearances this season.

The Dodgers have not named their starter for the series finale. Los Angeles won Saturday’s game 8-4.

Players to watch

Cubs shortstop Dansby Swanson has been on a tear, particularly against Dodgers pitching. In Friday’s win, he went 2-for-3 with a home run and four RBIs. Over his last 10 games, Swanson has three home runs and 13 RBIs, batting .333 with runners in scoring position.

Dodgers right-hander Emmet Sheehan is slated to start. Despite taking the loss Friday, Sheehan delivered a sharp outing: 6 1/3 innings, four hits, one earned run and 10 strikeouts. He has a 3.31 ERA over his last three starts, striking out 20 in 17 1/3 innings.

Series context

The two games this weekend have been high-scoring affairs. The Dodgers rallied Saturday behind an offensive outburst, while the Cubs leaned on Swanson’s power and a solid bullpen Friday. Chicago has won nine of its last 10 games overall. The Dodgers have dropped three of their last four.

Game outlook

Interstat’s game simulator projects an 8-5 Cubs victory. Los Angeles enters as a -1.5-run favorite, and the over/under is set at 9 runs.

Up next

After Sunday’s game, the Cubs travel to San Diego for a three-game series beginning Monday. The Dodgers host Miami for a three-game set starting the same day.