posted June 5, 2008 at 17:28 EST in MLB Betting Trends

The (38-22) and NL Central leading Chicago Cubs saw its road record drop to (12-14) in last nights MLB online betting affair after dropping a 2-1 decision to the San Diego Padres in the series finale. SD right-hander Greg Maddux was simply in the zone as he limited the Cubs’ red-hot offense to a measly four hits and one run through seven innings of work. The loss snapped the Cubs nine-game winning streak, but they still own the best record in the league sitting 16 games over .500. MLB bettors have banked throughout the Cubs torrid streak picking up close to eight units throughout their L/10 games. Joe Torre’s Dodgers come into this four game set off an embarrassing series loss at home to the Colorado Rockies. The defending NL champs came into that series losers of eight in a row overall and 13 in a row on the road, but they managed to take two of three overall to drop the Dodgers to 28-31 on the season. Thankfully, the NL West leading Arizona D’Backs have struggled lately, so they only sit 3.5-games back. The Dodgers DL is littered with a bunch of former All Star’s, and their absence has really affected the Dodgers on the field of play. They come into this one losers in seven of their L/10 overall, and in eight of their L/15 at home.

Ryan Dempster will square off against Chad Billingsley and the Dodgers for the second time in a 10-day span. Dempster and the Cubs won the first go round when he went seven strong allowing seven hits and just one earned run with a K/BB ratio of 3/3. He’s been a major surprise within Manager Lou Piniella’s starting rotation by earning victories in seven of his 12 overall starts. The right-hander has been a tough luck loser on the road earning an 0-2 mark, but his 2.08 ERA and 0.88 WHIP indicates his offense has bailed on him in his four overall starts as a visitor. In his career against the Dodgers, Dempster is 4-2 with a solid 2.54 ERA and 1.34 WHIP.

Chad Billingsley’s been one of the best starters the Dodgers have to offer this season. His 4-6 overall mark doesn’t tell the true story of just how dominant he’s been. He’s only allowed 53 hits and 26 runs (24 earned) with an impressive K/BB ratio of 71/34 in just under 66 total innings of work. In his L/3 overall efforts, Billingsley has allowed 12 hits and two runs while striking out 18 and walking seven in 20 innings of work. He hung tough against the Cubs in his start at Wrigley limiting them to four hits and two earned runs through six innings of work, but got lifted for a pinch hitter in the 7th. This will be his second career start against the Cubs, and first at home.

Oddsmakers opened the Dodgers short –115 home favorites in tonight’s baseball betting affair with the ‘total’ set at 8 under -115. BetUS.com offers all MLB betting odds be it side, total, or run-line, so be sure to login to your account and get your wagers down before tonight’s first pitch.

The Cubs are 4-1 their L/5 meetings with the Dodgers, and a moneymaking 7-3 the L/10 times they’ve paid a visit to Chavez Ravine. They’re also 16-6 their L/22 against the NL West. The Dodgers have dropped six of their last eight opening games of a series, and they’re a poor 18-24 against right-handers this season.

Go to the BetUS sportsbook today and take a swing at Major League Baseball online betting. We have the most current baseball odds and lines, as well as player, game and series props throughout the MLB baseball season. To help you bet on sports, check out the Free Picks section of the Locker Room for sports betting free picks and predictions. Join BetUS to experience the best in online sports betting action!