NL West Rivalry Heats Up at Dodger Stadium
The Los Angeles Dodgers and Arizona Diamondbacks are set to renew their heated National League West rivalry with a three-game series kicking off on Friday, August 29, 2025. The first-place Dodgers (77-57) will host the fourth-place Diamondbacks (66-69) at Dodger Stadium, with both teams looking to make a statement as the season progresses. The Dodgers enter the series on a four-game winning streak, while the Diamondbacks are riding a more modest two-game win streak.
This series is more than just another set of games; it’s a continuation of a rivalry that has seen intense regular season clashes and dramatic postseason upsets. The Dodgers currently lead the 2025 season series 4-3, but as history has shown, past results mean little when these two clubs face off.
The Pitching Matchup: A Tale of Two Aces
Friday night’s game will feature a compelling duel on the mound between Arizona’s Zac Gallen and Los Angeles’ Blake Snell. While both are considered top-tier pitchers, their recent form and history against their opponent paint different pictures.
Zac Gallen’s Challenge
Zac Gallen takes the ball for the Diamondbacks, holding a 9-13 record with a 5.13 ERA for the season. The right-hander has faced significant challenges when pitching against the Dodgers. According to data compiled by digitaltrendstoday.com, in his last five starts against Los Angeles, Gallen is 0-3 with a daunting 8.39 ERA. Overcoming these past struggles will be critical for Arizona to secure a win on the road.
- Record: 9-13
- ERA: 5.13
- Strikeouts: 141
Blake Snell’s Dominance
On the other side, Blake Snell has been a formidable presence for the Dodgers. The left-hander boasts a 3-2 record and an impressive 1.97 ERA. His performance against the Diamondbacks has been more consistent than his counterpart’s, posting a 2-2 record with a 3.65 ERA and 29 strikeouts in his last five starts against them. With the home-field advantage and a hot team behind him, Snell is in a strong position to continue his successful season.
- Record: 3-2
- ERA: 1.97
- Strikeouts: 30
Team Form and Betting Outlook
The Dodgers are one of the hottest teams in baseball, having won their last four games, all by two or more runs. Their powerful offense and solid pitching have them firmly in control of the NL West. The Diamondbacks, meanwhile, have been inconsistent, going 2-3 in their last five contests but are coming off a series win against the Milwaukee Brewers.
Given the pitching matchup and recent trends, oddsmakers have established the Dodgers as clear favorites, with a moneyline hovering around -200. The total for the game is set at approximately 8.5 runs. ESPN’s Matchup Predictor gives the Dodgers a 73% chance of winning the series opener.
A Rivalry with History
The rivalry between these two franchises has been marked by memorable moments, from on-field brawls to the Dodgers’ controversial pool celebration at Chase Field in 2013. Their postseason history is perfectly balanced, with each team owning a 3-0 sweep over the other in the National League Division Series. The Dodgers triumphed in 2017, while the Diamondbacks stunned the 100-win Dodgers in 2023 on their way to the World Series. This deep-seated history adds an extra layer of intensity to every game they play.
The first pitch is scheduled for 10:10 PM EST and will be broadcast on ARID, SNLA, and MLBN.
