Houston Astros vs Los Angeles Dodgers Prediction & Picks - MLB

Prediction published on 7/5/25, 4:14 PM  by Carlos Zabala | Modified on 7/24/25 at 11:10 PM in MLB Picks

The modern rivalry between the Astros and Dodgers continued on Independence Day to a packed house at Dodger Stadium, but those who were there witnessed the Astros' batting feast, posting an 18-1 victory, giving the Dodgers 10 runs in the sixth inning. The boos once again demonstrated how little they mattered to Altuve, who hit two home runs. Paredes also homered, and Walker and Caratini also hit long balls.

Ohtani will pitch for the Dodgers in Game 2, making his fourth start since returning to the mound following surgery. The Dodgers' pitching has declined due to so many injuries and is among the 10 worst team ERAs in MLB. Ohtani thinks he can help change that; the Japanese star said his doctor told him he'd be able to return to pitching at his full potential soon.

The Astros will respond with left-hander Framber Valdez, in the midst of an excellent season. The Astros are undoubtedly the hottest team in late June and early July, winning eight of their last 10 games.