I don't like to lay nearly 2/1 on a baseball game, but I can't see the Cubs losing this game with southpaw Jon Lester facing a cold Kenta Maeda and the Dodgers not likely to have closer Kenley Jansen - their one consistent reliever - available.

The Dodgers went all out to eliminate the Nationals this past Thursday using both Jansen and Clayton Kershaw to nail down a 4-3 victory. Jansen threw 51 pitches and was gassed.

The Cubs are the best team in baseball. They are home, rested and have their best money pitcher going. This is almost a give-up game for the Dodgers. Maeda has hit the wall giving up 12 runs in his last three starts spanning only 9 2/3 innings, the last coming this past Sunday in a loss to the Giants.

Lester had another brilliant season and will draw Cy Young consideration. The Dodgers do not match up well to him. No team was worse against southpaws than Los Angeles. The Dodgers rank last against lefties in batting average (.213), OBP, OPS and slugging percentage.

The combination of Lester and lefty closer Aroldis Chapman available if needed should severely limit the Dodgers. Maeda and a spent bullpen certainly can't be counted on to keep the Cubs in check.