The Los Angeles Dodgers are looking to avoid a series sweep at home against the Boston Red Sox in the final game of their three-game set on Sunday, August 2, 2026. After losing both previous games, the Dodgers are eager to turn things around.
Why it matters: The Dodgers are currently in a strong position in the NL West but need a win to regain momentum after two consecutive losses. A loss would mark a disappointing end to their homestand.
Boston won the first two games of the series, including a tight 3-2 victory on Saturday night, improving their record to 22-3 over their last 25 games.
Dodgers acquired Cy Young winner Tarik Skubal in a trade on Saturday, bolstering their pitching staff for the stretch run.
Emmet Sheehan, the Dodgers' starting pitcher, has been the subject of trade rumors but aims to prove his worth in this game.
Driving the news: The Dodgers have struggled recently, losing 9-4 in a bullpen game on Friday and narrowly falling to the Red Sox on Saturday. They need a win to maintain their lead in the division.
Sheehan has a 4.95 ERA with 104 strikeouts in 92.2 innings this season, looking to bounce back after a solid outing last week.
Boston's Jake Bennett, a promising left-hander, is also making waves with a 2.74 ERA and 46 strikeouts over 65.2 innings.
First pitch for Sunday Night Baseball at Dodger Stadium is scheduled for 7:20 p.m. ET.
State of play: The Dodgers' lineup sees the return of some key players, including Mookie Betts and Kyle Tucker, who are back in the batting order for this must-win game.
Betts is batting fifth, aiming to contribute significantly after missing Saturday's game.
Shohei Ohtani leads off as designated hitter, hoping to spark the offense against Bennett.
The Dodgers are listed as -184 favorites, with Boston as +156 underdogs, and the Over/Under for total runs is set at 8.5.
The big picture: The Dodgers are in a strong position in the NL West, but recent struggles could impact their playoff positioning if they don’t bounce back quickly.
With a comfortable lead in the division, the Dodgers need to capitalize on their home games to maintain momentum.
Boston's recent success has made them a formidable opponent, with a record that includes a remarkable 22 wins in their last 25 games.
The outcome of this game could influence both teams' strategies as the trade deadline approaches.
What they're saying: Analysts are closely watching the matchup between Sheehan and Bennett, as both pitchers represent their teams' hopes for a successful game.
"Bennett has been a pleasant surprise for the Red Sox, and his performance could be key to their continued success," an unnamed analyst said.
"The Dodgers need to find their offensive rhythm again, especially with Betts and Tucker back in the lineup," noted another expert.
Magliocca, a betting expert, believes the Dodgers will win, citing their strong performance in simulations.
By the numbers: Key statistics highlight the stakes of this matchup as both teams prepare for the final game of the series.
The Dodgers are 64% likely to win according to the SportsLine Projection Model, which favors them in this matchup.
Bennett's .250 average allowed against right-handed batters could be exploited by the Dodgers' lineup.
Betts has recorded at least one hit in six of his last seven games before missing Saturday's start.
What's next: Both teams will look ahead to the trade deadline, with the Dodgers potentially making moves to strengthen their roster.
The trade deadline is set for Monday, August 3, 2026, and teams will be assessing their needs based on this series' outcomes.
Fans can expect an exciting finish to this series as the Dodgers aim to avoid the sweep and the Red Sox look to continue their winning streak.
Following this game, the Dodgers will head out on the road, where they’ll face tougher competition in the coming weeks.