The Los Angeles Dodgers face the Colorado Rockies in the seventh and final game of their series on Thursday, August 21, 2025, at 3:10 PM EDT at Coors Field in Denver. With the Dodgers leading the NL West and the Rockies looking to snap a losing streak, this matchup promises excitement. Fans eager to gain an edge can rely on this expert preview, featuring key player insights, a pitching matchup, and a prediction—maximize your wins with our top MLB strategies today!
Los Angeles Dodgers
- 2025 Record (as of August 20): 72-54, 1st in NL West
- Performance Overview: The Dodgers have gone 5-5 in their last 10 games, including an 11-4 win over the Rockies on August 19, but a 4-game road losing streak looms. Their offense leads the NL with 187 HRs (per the sports card above), driven by Shohei Ohtani’s 44 HRs, though defensive issues (e.g., Teoscar Hernández’s errors) persist.
- Strengths: Dominant power hitting and a deep lineup.
- Weaknesses: Inconsistent road defense and pitching injuries (e.g., Gavin Stone on the 60-day IL).
- Player to Watch: Shohei Ohtani (DH) – Tied for the NL lead with 44 HRs, a game-changer at Coors Field.
Colorado Rockies
- 2025 Record (as of August 20): 36-90, 5th in NL West
- Performance Overview: The Rockies are on a 6-4 run in their last 10, including a 4-3 win over the Dodgers on August 18, but their overall record reflects struggles. Their pitching ranks 30th in ERA (6.03 per the sports card above), though Hunter Goodman’s 25 HRs provide offensive hope.
- Strengths: Home power hitting at Coors Field’s hitter-friendly park.
- Weaknesses: Poor pitching (5.83 ERA in last 10) and numerous injuries (e.g., Germán Márquez on the 15-day IL).
- Player to Watch: Hunter Goodman (1B) – Leads with 25 HRs, a key against Dodgers’ pitching.
Head-to-Head Record
- Historical Context: The Dodgers lead the 2025 season series 7-1, with recent wins like 11-4 on August 19, though the Rockies snapped a 10-game skid with a 4-3 victory on August 18.
- Recent Encounter: On August 19, the Dodgers crushed the Rockies 11-4, with Ohtani and Alex Call powering an 18-hit barrage.
- Key Insight: Los Angeles’ dominance is tempered by Coors Field’s hitter-friendly conditions favoring the Rockies.
Pitching Matchups Table
| Team | Pitcher | Record | ERA | Innings Pitched | Strikeouts | WHIP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dodgers | Clayton Kershaw (LHP) | 7-2 | 3.01 | 95.2 | 82 | 1.18 |
| Rockies | Chase Dollander (RHP) | 2-9 | 6.43 | 84.1 | 65 | 1.52 |
Strengths and Negatives of Pitchers
- Clayton Kershaw (Dodgers)
- Strengths: Veteran experience (3.01 ERA) and a sharp curveball (30% usage) that limits hard contact (8.2% barrel rate).
- Negatives: Reduced innings (95.2 IP) due to age and past injuries, with 1.18 WHIP showing some vulnerability at Coors.
- Chase Dollander (Rockies)
- Strengths: Youthful upside and home familiarity, with occasional strikeout ability (6.9 K/9).
- Negatives: High ERA (6.43) and 1.52 WHIP reflect command issues (3.5 BB/9), exploitable by Ohtani and Muncy.
Key Players to Monitor
- Los Angeles Dodgers:
- Shohei Ohtani (DH): 44 HRs and 81 RBI, a power threat at Coors.
- Max Muncy (3B): 4 HRs in last 10 games, hot against Rockies’ pitching.
- Will Smith (C): .308 BA, leading the NL with clutch hitting.
- Colorado Rockies:
- Hunter Goodman (1B): 25 HRs and 69 RBI, key at home.
- Brenton Doyle (CF): 3 HRs in last 10 games, gaining momentum.
- Ezequiel Tovar (SS): Recent walk-off hero, adding spark.
Recent Performance
- Los Angeles Dodgers: 5-5 in their last 10, outscoring opponents by 16 runs, with a strong 11-4 win on August 19.
- Colorado Rockies: 6-4 in their last 10, outscored by 11 runs, with a notable 4-3 win on August 18.
Critical Factors
- Venue: Coors Field’s high altitude favors hitters, boosting both teams’ offensive output.
- Weather: Forecasted at 93°F with clear skies, enhancing run potential.
- Momentum: Dodgers’ power contrasts with Rockies’ recent resilience.
- Betting Odds: Dodgers favored at -145, with over/under at 10.5, reflecting a high-scoring possibility.
Prediction
The Los Angeles Dodgers are favored to win, leveraging Clayton Kershaw’s 3.01 ERA and their league-leading 187 HRs (per the sports card above). Chase Dollander’s 6.43 ERA and the Rockies’ 6.03 team ERA suggest pitching struggles, though Coors Field could amplify their offense. The game may hinge on Ohtani’s power outpacing Goodman’s response.
Final Prediction: Los Angeles Dodgers win, 7-5. Kershaw edges Dollander, with Ohtani’s homer sealing the victory.
Best Bets
- Moneyline: Los Angeles Dodgers (-145) – The Dodgers’ power and pitching edge make them a strong pick.
- Over 10.5 Runs – Coors Field’s conditions and both teams’ hitting trends support a high-scoring game.
- Shohei Ohtani to Hit a Home Run (+120) – Ohtani’s 44 HRs and Coors’ altitude offer excellent value.
This preview, based on the latest trends and stats as of August 20, 2025, delivers expert, trustworthy, and engaging content for MLB fans. Watch live on COLR.
