Rogers' ROUND TRIPPER >> AWESOME 19-10-1 MLB Run!
(MLB) Arizona vs. LA Dodgers,
Money Line: -184.00 LA Dodgers (Home)
Result: Loss
The set-up: The Arizona Diamondbacks were just 69-93 in 2016 (22 games behind the division-winning Dodgers) but opened this season 7-2. However, consecutive losses here in Dodger Stadium (7-1 on Friday and 8-4 on Saturday), gives the D'backs three straight losses overall and a record of 7-5. Meanwhile, the Dodgers have improved to 5-1 at home on the 2017 season and to 7-5 for the season (a half-game back of the first-place Rockies).

The pitching matchup: Taijuan Walker (1-1 & 4.91 ERA) will get the nod for Arizona and Rich Hill (1-0 & 1.80 ERA) for the Dodgers. Walker allowed three runs (two earned) over five innings in Monday's 4-1 loss to San Francisco. He was acquired from Seattle in November but has struggled with his control early, as he has issued five walks in his first two starts over 11 innings. Walker took the loss in his only career start against the Dodgers on April 15, 2015, when he allowed five runs and walked four in four innings (11.25 ERA!). The Dodgers acquired Hill from the A's during last season and he will be activated from the 10-day disabled list to make this start, after missing one outing with a blister on his left middle finger. He spent six weeks on the DL with a blister after being acquired from Oakland in August. He was cleared to pitch following a strong throwing session on Friday. Hill struggled in his one outing versus Arizona last season and owns a 1-3 record and 5.01 ERA in six career starts against the Diamondbacks (teams are 1-5).

The pick: After that quick start (6-1), Arizona has lost four of its last five games. Looking at the team's early schedule, its 6-1 start was greatly helped by all games being contested at Chase Field. Away from home, the D'backs are now 1-4, getting outscored 5.60-to-2.40 RPG. Conversely, the Dodgers are 5-1 at home, outscoring opponents 7.00-to-2.50 RPG. Let's not overthink. Make the Dodgers an 8* play.