In this article, we will formulate an LA Dodgers vs San Diego Padres Prediction for this MLB Division Series Game 1 on Saturday, October 5th at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, California. Let’s take a look at the prediction for game one of the National League Division Series.
How Will the Dodgers Handle the Off Time?
The Dodger’s last game came on Sunday against the Colorado Rockies, and since that point, they have been trying to stay ready while waiting to find out who their opponent was. The last game against the Rockies on Sunday was a strong pitching performance, and they ended up winning the game 2-1. Landon Knack got most of the work, going four innings, and giving up five hits and one run. The pitching has some injuries heading into this game, but the bats are pretty healthy. Freddie Freeman is dealing with an ankle injury and it’s unclear if he’s going to stay on the roster for this game. During the regular season, the Dodgers’ offense was ranked 2nd in baseball, scoring 842 runs.
As a pitching staff, they have a team ERA of 3.90 which is 13th in the league. Getting the start for the Dodgers in this game will be Yoshinobu Yamamoto, who sits with a 7-2 record and an ERA of 3.00. In his last start against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field, he went five innings, giving up four hits and two runs. After pitching for just 2.0 innings against the Royals, Yamamoto logged 3+ innings in each of his last four starts.
Padres Swept First Series
The Padres faced off against the Atlanta Braves in the first series, and they were able to win both of the games. In the first game against the Braves, the Padres won 4-0 and in the last game, they were able to secure a 5-4 victory. Cather Kyle Higashioka hit a home run. Manny Machado also finished with a hit and drove in two RBIs. It was all hands on deck and with Joe Musgrove not going deep, there were five different players that were used out of the bullpen.
The pitching is going to need to be good in this series to find success, and that is going to start with the first game. Getting the start for the Padres will be Dylan Cease who sits with a 14-11 record and an ERA of 3.47. In his last start against the Dodgers, he went five innings giving up five hits and three runs. The winner of this series will take on the Mets or Phillies in the NLCS.
LA Dodgers vs San Diego Padres Prediction
There is plenty of value with the Padres here. The Padres send Cease to the mound, and he has been plenty good this season. Although he wasn’t dominant in his last start against the Dodgers, I expect him to be even better here. Yamamoto in his last start gave up two runs, but the Padres are going to tee off on him here, and the Dodgers aren’t going to have an answer. Back the Padres on the money line to cash.