Dodgers vs. Red Sox Game 4: Prediction, Betting Odds, Pitching Preview For World Series Matchup

After a marathon Game 3 that concluded with a Max Muncy walk-off home run in the 18th inning, the Boston Red Sox and Los Angeles Dodgers meet in Game 4 of the World Series on Saturday at Dodger Stadium. The Dodgers are coming off their 3-2 win as the favorites Saturday with hopes to even the best-of-seven World Series, 2-2.

Westgate Superbook lists the Dodgers at -157 favorites and the Red Sox as +147 underdogs. The over/under is 8.5 runs.

While some bettors feel that wagering on baseball can be too much of a guessing game, Game 4 seems particularly difficult to predict. An 18-inning game creates confusion as to how fit pitchers will be the following game.

The Dodgers seems to have the bullpen advantage, as manager Dave Roberts chose to have 12 pitchers on the roster while Red Sox manager Alex Cora elected to carry 11.

Roberts appeared to be pleased with his bullpen fitness after Game 3. Veteran Ryan Madson only threw two pitches. Left-handers Alex Wood and Julio Urias, who are both capable of pitching in long relief, threw 15 and 11 pitches, respectively.

It wouldn't be surprising if veteran Rich Hill pitches at some point for the Dodgers in Game 4. The left-hander hasn't taken the mound since Oct. 19 when he threw 17 pitches against the Milwaukee Brewers in the National League Championship Series. Hill has a 2.61 ERA in October.

Hill was originally slated to start Game 4, but there is a distinct possibility that ace Clayton Kershaw starts the game on three-days rest. Kershaw, who has a 2.58 ERA at home, threw 79 pitches in Game 1 at Fenway Park.

Boston's situation appears more curious, as there might be more questions than answers for Cora entering Game 4.

"How do you spell it? 'T-B-A,'" Cora said. "Somebody will start and it will be most likely a left-hander."

Cora is probably eluding to ace Chris Sale, who like Kershaw, pitched in Game 1. Sale, who threw 91 pitches on Thursday, allowed three earned runs over four innings.

But a bigger concern is that Sale has not pitched six innings since July 27, which means Cora may once again need to make an early call to the bullpen.

It is also unclear how much faith Cora has in left-hander Eduardo Rodriguez. The 25-year-old was a starter up until the middle of September. Rodriguez could be a top option for Cora, as he only threw six pitches on Friday. However, Rodriguez has had his struggles, owning just a 4.40 ERA in October.

Then there's Drew Pomeranz. The 29-year-old was a surprise addition to the roster and hasn't pitched since Sept. 30. Pomeranz threw just 11 1/3 innings in September and had an 11.05 ERA for the month. How Cora uses Pomeranz is anyone's guess.

While Nathan Eovaldi won't be available, Cora still has some of his trusty relievers for Game 4. Joe Kelly, who has been excellent in October, threw just 12 pitches on Friday. Cora also can turn to Heath Hembree, who despite struggling for a stretch in September has not allowed an earned run in his last 7 1/3 innings.

Game 4 starts at 8:09 p.m. ET. Fox will carry the game on television, while a livestream is available on fuboTV and Fox Sports Go.

Prediction: While the Red Sox bats are due to break out, Roberts can counter with his less-fatigued bullpen. Expect more runs in Game 4, as the Dodgers seem poised to win another one at home.

Dodgers over Red Sox, 6-2