Marlins vs. Dodgers prediction and odds for Friday, Aug. 18 (Alcantara stays on point)

The Miami Marlins and Los Angeles Dodgers start a weekend series with both teams hoping to make a postseason push.

While the Dodgers are the hottest team in baseball, the Marlins are starting to see its Cy Young winner return to form. Sandy Alcantara has been on a tear of late, pitching to a 2.45 ERA since the All-Star break. Can he overcome a stiff test against the Dodgers on Friday with the Marlins in the midst of a heated Wild Card race?

Let's break it down:

Marlins vs. Dodgers odds, run line and total

Marlins vs. Dodgers prediction and pick

Alcantara is starting to look like his old self, striking out nearly six batters for every walk dished out since the All-Star break. He is off a 116-pitch complete game against the Yankees and will look to keep building positive momentum for the Marlins.

I fancy the team's chances against fellow Cy Young contender from last season, Tony Gonsolin, who hasn't found his form from 2022, pitching to a 5.30 xERA this season amidst injuries. He has allowed at least four earned runs in his last seven of his last 10 starts.

While the Dodgers offense is second in OPS over the last month behind only the Atlanta Braves, I'm going to trust Alcantara to keep it rolling on the road and give Miami a chance to win with a formidable bullpen behind him, if needed.

Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.