Red Sox vs Dodgers World Series Game 3 Odds, Pick and Predictions

By Ryan Murphy in MLB Baseball
Updated: April 6, 2020 at 1:19 pm EDTPublished:

- The Dodgers find themselves in an 0-2 hole as they host Game 3 of the 2018 World Series
- Will LA’s bats finally wake up after being dormant for much of the playoffs?
- Can Walker Buehler deliver another signature performance to keep LA’s World Series hopes alive?
The Red Sox will try to drive another nail in the Dodgers’ coffin on Friday, October 26th when they face LA in Game 3 of the 2018 World Series. The first pitch is scheduled for 8:09 p.m. ET. from Dodger Stadium.
Below, find the opening odds, key statistics, weather forecast, and score prediction for tonight’s eagerly anticipated game.
Red Sox vs Dodgers Game 3 Opening Odds
RUNLINE | WIN | TOTAL |
---|---|---|
RED SOX +1.5 (-165) | RED SOX +135 | OVER 7.5 (EVEN) |
DODGERS -1.5 (+145) | DODGERS -155 | UNDER 7.5 (-120) |
The Red Sox will send Rick Porcello to the mound with a 2-0 series lead. The former Cy Young winner has already appeared in four postseason games in 2018, but has yet to make it past the fifth inning. Porcello’s last start against the Astros in Game 4 of the ALCS was particularly shaky, as the veteran hurler gave up four earned runs in just four innings.
The Dodgers will counter with Walker Buehler. The 24-year-old right-hander surrendered nine earned runs over 12 innings in his first two postseason outings against Atlanta and Milwaukee, but bounced back nicely against the Brewers in Game 7 of the NLCS, striking out seven and giving up just one run in 4.2 innings pitched. He understands what its like to pitch in a must-win situation and appears primed for a quality start on Friday evening.
Average Odds to Win the 2018 World Series
It’s amazing what a difference three days can make. The Red Sox have seen their average World Series odds improve from -160 on October 22nd to -610 on October 25th. Boston is now available as long as -600 at some sportsbooks, and as short as -650 at others.
Red Sox vs Dodgers Statistical Comparison
108-54 | RECORD | 92-71 |
+229 (2nd) | RUN DIFFERENTIAL | +194 (3rd) |
.268 (1st) | TEAM BATTING AVERAGE | Â .250 (14th) |
  208 (9th) | TEAM HOME RUNS | 235 (2nd) |
  .339 (1st) | TEAM OBP | .333 (5th) |
.453 (1st) | TEAM SLUGGING | Â .442 (3rd) |
  .792 (1st) | TEAM OPS | .774 (5th) |
 3.72 (9th) |  BULLPEN ERA | 3.72 (8th) |
Red Sox Up 2-0 After Another Dominant Performance
The Red Sox are riding high after doubling up the Dodgers 4-2 in Game 2 of the 2018 World Series. David Price set the tone early with back-to-back strikeouts to start the second inning, and gave up just three hits over six stellar innings. Mookie Betts chipped in with a double and two singles, and JD Martinez put Boston up for good in the bottom of the fifth with a two-run single to right.

Once again, LA failed to manufacture much offense. The Dodgers eked out just three hits and are now batting .212 in the postseason. It was the same story in the NLCS, where LA managed to prevail in seven games despite being outscored by Milwaukee 24-23 overall.
Weather Forecast at Opening Pitch
TEMPERATURE | 90° |
HUMIDITY | 29% |
WIND SPEED | SW 6 mph (out to right field) |
P.O.P. | 0% |
The Boys of Summer will finally get to play in summer-like conditions again in LA. The temperature is expected to be in the low 90’s right up until game time.
Red Sox vs Dodgers Score Prediction
RED SOX | 5 |
DODGERS | 6 |
There’s reason to believe the Dodgers’ bats will come alive in Game 3 as Porcello has been shaky lately. The New Jersey native posted a 4.28 ERA during the regular season and was hit hard in his last start against the Astros. It will be shocking if he lasts longer than five innings.
There are two other reasons to like LA’s chances. For starters, the game will be played under National League rules, so Boston will be forced to re-jig its lineup and move JD Martinez to the outfield. That’s notable because it means Alex Cora will have to sit ALCS MVP Jackie Bradley Jr. It also remains to be seen just how mobile Martinez will be after injuring his ankle in Game 1.
JD Martinez SHOT to dead center pic.twitter.com/j5PTl4kjGt
— Starting 9 (@Starting9) October 24, 2018
The Dodgers will also have more power in the lineup on Friday evening as Dave Roberts is expected to start Cody Bellinger, Max Muncy, and Joc Pederson after using all three players in reserve roles during Games 1 and 2. The hard-hitting trio combined for 85 home runs and 211 RBI during the regular season and have the ability to change the Dodgers’ fortunes with a single swing of the bat.
The World Series will belong to the Red Sox, but Game 3 will be won by the Dodgers.

Former Sports Writer
Ryan worked as an Editor and resident Lead NBA and MLB Writer for SB from 2017-19. He has authored his own weekly columns for Fox Sports and AskMen, and has created successful campaigns for the WWE, the NHL, and the NFL. Ryan's critically acclaimed stories have been published in 20 books.