Astros vs. Dodgers prediction: Odds, recent stats, trends, and best bets for May 4

The Dodgers (21–13) and the Astros (14–21) open a three-game series tonight with a clear pitching mismatch headlining the opener: Yoshinobu Yamamoto vs. Steven Okert . The Dodgers sit first in the NL West thanks in large part to a tremendous pitching staff.

Yamamoto brings a 2. 87 ERA, 1. 01 WHIP, and 32 strikeouts to the bump tonight.

In 15 of their 34 games, the Dodgers have not allowed a home run. They would certainly welcome a bit more run support, but Yamamoto and co. have proven they can carry the load themselves.

Houston, meanwhile, is fourth in the AL West, and dealing with significant pitching injuries and ineffectiveness. The Astros are turning to Okert (0–0, 4. 20 ERA) as an opener due to those injuries and rotation shortages, a strategy that puts immediate pressure on a bullpen carrying a lousy 5.