The Los Angeles Dodgers continue their series at Coors Field on Tuesday night after giving their offense room to breathe. Los Angeles beat Colorado 11-5 in Monday’s opener as Shohei Ohtani homered twice and Blake Snell worked six innings, pushing the Dodgers to 75-51 and keeping them atop the National League West. Colorado fell to 50-75. MLB’s game preview lists Eric Lauer against Ryan Feltner for the second game.
The betting board favors Los Angeles. The Dodgers are -190 on the moneyline and -1.5 at -135, while Colorado returns +171 and +1.5 at +115. The total is 11.5, a number shaped by Coors Field, two vulnerable starting ERAs, and the possibility that Monday’s offensive burst carries into another high-altitude night.
Dodgers vs Rockies Matchup And Schedule
First pitch is scheduled for 8:40 PM ET at Coors Field in Denver. SportsNet LA and Rockies.TV carry coverage. Lauer enters 7-6 with a 4.67 ERA and 63 strikeouts, while Feltner is 5-6 with a 5.59 ERA and 61 strikeouts.
| Matchup | Date | Time (ET) | Venue | Starting Pitchers |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dodgers at Rockies | August 18, 2026 | 8:40 PM | Coors Field | Eric Lauer vs Ryan Feltner |
Los Angeles needed Monday’s 11-run response after an uneven stretch at the plate. Ohtani’s two homers were the headline, but the deeper value came from sustained traffic and extra-base damage throughout the order. That is the formula bettors want to see again against a Colorado staff carrying one of baseball’s weaker run-prevention profiles.
Lauer Has A Better Path Than His ERA Suggests
Lauer’s 4.67 ERA is not dominant, yet his latest start was encouraging. He held Kansas City to one earned run across 6⅓ innings, allowing four hits, walking two, and striking out six. His 2026 season has included sharp swings in form, including six runs allowed in four innings against the Cubs one start earlier.
His five-pitch mix gives him ways to change speed against Colorado’s left-right lineup. The concern is Coors Field, where breaking pitches lose movement and routine fly balls can become extra-base hits. Lauer does not need a shutout to justify the favorite. Five competitive innings with three runs or fewer would leave the Dodgers’ lineup positioned to create separation.
Ezequiel Tovar has handled Lauer well in limited career meetings, recording four hits in nine at-bats with a home run. Colorado needs that type of early damage before Los Angeles reaches favorable bullpen matchups.
Feltner Faces A Brutal Dodgers Lineup
Feltner owns a 5.59 ERA entering Tuesday. His season included a strong six-week stretch during which his ERA fell nearly two runs, showing he can stabilize when his command is right. His larger problem here is the opponent.
Freddie Freeman is 6-for-14 against Feltner in previous meetings, and Kyle Tucker has a home run in three at-bats. Ohtani has struggled more, going 1-for-10, but Monday’s performance showed how quickly his swing can change a game.
Colorado must keep the bases empty ahead of the Dodgers’ middle order. Feltner’s fastball can generate ground balls when located down, yet misses over the center can become damage at Coors. Los Angeles has enough patience to force him into hitter-friendly counts and enough depth to keep pressure on after the top four.
Dodgers vs Rockies Odds And Betting Lines
| Team | Run Line | Moneyline | Total |
| Los Angeles Dodgers | -1.5 (-135) | -190 | Over 11.5 (-115) |
| Colorado Rockies | +1.5 (+115) | +171 | Under 11.5 (-105) |
The moneyline is expensive, making the run line the better favorite route. Los Angeles needs a two-run victory, but Monday demonstrated the offensive ceiling available in Denver. The Dodgers have the superior lineup, stronger overall record, and a starting pitcher coming off his best outing of August.
The total is harder to attack. Eleven and a half demands sustained scoring, yet Coors Field and both starters’ season ERAs create obvious over appeal. One quality bullpen sequence can still leave the game below that number.
Why Dodgers -1.5 Is The Best Bet
Los Angeles -1.5 at -135 is the preferred wager. Lauer has enough recent form to keep Colorado within a manageable range, and Feltner draws the more dangerous offense. The Dodgers can win this bet without their starter dominating.
The lineup advantage becomes larger after the first five innings. Los Angeles can use Ohtani, Freeman, Mookie Betts, Tucker, Max Muncy, and Teoscar Hernández to attack multiple bullpen looks. Colorado needs another efficient offensive night merely to keep pace.
For broader context on Los Angeles’ postseason position, our Dodgers World Series outlook explains why lineup depth remains central to its championship case.
Expect Colorado to score, but Los Angeles should create more chances across nine innings.
Official Prediction: Los Angeles Dodgers 8, Colorado Rockies 5
MLB Best Bet: Los Angeles Dodgers -1.5 (-135)
