Astros vs. Dodgers: Independence Day Same Game Parlay Picks

It’s only fitting that the Los Angeles Dodgers and Houston Astros will reignite their 2017 World Series rivalry on the Fourth of July. The bang from the fireworks as Americans celebrate Independence Day will be a familiar reminder of the Astros’ triumph over the Dodgers all those years ago. Still, there will be no shortage of fireworks on the field when these titans collide.

These are our favorite bets for the Astros versus Dodgers on July 4!

Where to Watch Houston Astros vs. Los Angeles Dodgers

• Ballpark: Dodger Stadium
• Location: Los Angeles, CA
• Where to Watch: SportsNet LA, SCHN
• Time: 9:10 p.m. ET
• Spread: SF -1.5 | Total: 8
• Moneyline: SF -142 | ARI +120
  
• Matchup Page

Leg 1: Over 9 -122

The Astros tabbed Lance McCullers as their probable starter ahead of Friday night’s clash at Chavez Ravine. The Dodgers counter with their own combustible righty, sending Ben Casparius to the bump. Fortunately for bettors, that should result in a high-scoring game.

McCullers has been torched this season. If his 6.61 ERA was evidence enough, the Astros’ righty also ranks near the bottom of several concerning advanced metrics. Specifically, he is toting an inflated 11.8% barrel rate and 51.6% hard-hit rate, ranking in the ninth and first percentiles, respectively. Assuredly, the Dodgers hitters will feast on McCullers’ offerings.

While Casparius has a more promising analytics profile, he hasn’t been able to maximize production more recently. Over his past two starts, the righty has given up nine runs across 9.0 innings pitched. Home runs have become a more persistent issue, with Casparius giving up long fly balls in each of his previous three appearances. 

Offense will be the driving force in tonight’s series opener in LA. The price is starting to rise, but the over is still worth the investment.

Swing for the Fences with SportsGrid’s free daily MLB Game Picks and MLB Prop Picks.

Leg 2: Teoscar Hernandez to Record a Home Run +370

Finally, Teoscar Hernandez is starting to get the recognition he deserves in the Dodgers’ lineup. The hard-hitting outfielder is our premier pick to swat a dinger versus the Astros.

Overshadowed by the more prominent names in the lineup, Hernandez has cemented his position in the heart of the order. The three-time Silver Slugger sits in the upper echelon of most advanced metrics. Still, he remains a natural progression candidate in the short term. Currently, Hernandez is operating 15 points below his expected slugging percentage. Combined with his elite sweet spot contact and launch angle, we should see more balls start to leave the park. 

Hernandez’s inevitable ascent should be facilitated by McCullers’ inescapable collapse at Chavez Ravine. We’re backing the Dodgers’ slugger as a home run hitter in the series opener.

Leg 3: Isaac Paredes to Record a Home Run +420

This past offseason, the Houston Astros nabbed Isaac Paredes to solidify their lineup. The third baseman has done exactly that, serving as an offensive catalyst and defensive stalwart. He is poised to continue his offensive assault at Dodger Stadium. 

Over the past two months, Paredes has been one of the Astros’ most consistent hitters. Since the start of May, he’s toting a .862 OPS and accounting for 13 of his 17 home runs on the season. Moreover, Paredes is one of the best in the bigs at making sweet-spot contact. He’s launching 37.2% of hits on ideal home run trajectories, putting him in the 77th percentile in the MLB. In reconciling that position with Casparius’ recent decline, Paredes should have no problem sending some lucky fan home with a souvenir. 

We’re including Paredes as our third and final pick in tonight’s same game parlay. At +420, we’re betting he launches one into the stands versus the Dodgers. 

Astros vs. Dodgers: Independence Day SGP Picks

• Over 9 -122
• Teoscar Hernandez to Record a Home Run +360
• Isaac Paredes to Record a Home Run +420

This correlated approach could net bettors a hefty +2442 return. We’re parlaying the over with Isaac Paredes and Teoscar Hernandez as home run hitters.