On Sunday evening, the San Diego Padres (2-1, 2-1 RL 2-1 O/U) are set to face off against the Los Angeles Dodgers (1-0, 1-0 RL, 1-0 O/U) in the second game of the National League Division Series (NLDS). The Padres will entrust Yu Darvish to take the mound, while the Dodgers will counter with Jack Flaherty. This season, the Padres managed to secure a winning record against the Dodgers, finishing 8-5 in their regular-season matchups. However, the Dodgers clinched game one of the series with a close 7-5 victory.
Struggling with handicapping? Try our MLB Predictions!
Darvish Takes the Hill for San Diego
Yu Darvish will be the starting pitcher for the Padres in this crucial game. In his previous appearance on the 27th, he allowed three runs over 5.1 innings against Arizona, ultimately earning the win. Darvish has been consistent throughout the season, holding a 3.31 ERA and a 1.07 WHIP with a 7-3 record over 81.2 innings pitched. He has particularly excelled against the Dodgers, surrendering only four runs (three earned) across 15.2 innings this year. Historically, he has dominated the Dodgers with a remarkable 2.27 ERA and a 5-5 record in 91.1 career innings.
Despite their loss in game one, the Padres’ offense showed promise, taking the lead twice during the match. However, lapses in pitching cost them the game. San Diego has struggled at Dodger Stadium, losing three consecutive games there dating back to the regular season. On a positive note, their bullpen performed well in the opener, allowing just one earned run.
Luis Arraez, the 27-year-old first baseman, won another batting title with a .314 average, 46 RBIs, and a .739 OPS. He has tallied four hits and a .668 OPS in the postseason so far. Veteran Xander Bogaerts contributed two RBIs in the series opener and brings playoff experience with 18 RBIs in his career. The Padres are averaging 4.69 runs per game, placing them eighth in the league, while their pitching staff maintains a solid 3.86 ERA, ranking them 12th overall.
Need assistance with MLB? We have the Best MLB Cappers!
Dodgers’ Offense Sparks in Game One
Jack Flaherty will take the mound for Los Angeles. His last outing was on the 25th, where he gave up three runs in five innings against the Padres, resulting in a no-decision. Acquired from Detroit in July, Flaherty ended September with a 3.67 ERA and now boasts a 3.17 ERA alongside a 1.07 WHIP and a 13-7 season record across 162 innings. His performance against the Padres has been average, with a 4.45 ERA and a 2-1 record over 30.1 innings.
The Dodgers showcased their resilience in game one by overcoming early deficits and tallying 10 hits. Although they lost the season series to the Padres, they hold a slight edge at home with a 4-3 record against their rivals. After being swept in the NLDS last year, the Dodgers felt a sense of relief in securing a win in the first game of this series.
Max Muncy is recognized for his clutch performances in playoff situations. The 34-year-old has hit 10 home runs and driven in 29 runs with an impressive .838 OPS throughout his postseason career. While he went 0-for-4 in the opening game, he had recorded four RBIs against the Padres during the regular season. Mookie Betts also excelled against San Diego this season, accumulating 14 RBIs and an .885 OPS, although his postseason OPS stands at a modest .710.
On average, the Dodgers score 5.20 runs per game, which ranks them second in the league. The pitching staff has shown inconsistencies, reflected in their 3.90 ERA, placing them 13th overall.
Key Predictions for Padres vs. Dodgers
After a game one loss, the Padres are 2-1 in the postseason following a sweep against the Braves. This game is critical for the Padres, as falling behind 2-0 against the formidable Dodgers could jeopardize their playoff aspirations.
Yu Darvish is pivotal for the Padres in game two. His performance this season against the Dodgers has been outstanding, allowing just four runs (three earned) over 15.2 innings, with a 2.27 ERA and a 0.95 WHIP. In contrast, Jack Flaherty’s recent outings against San Diego have been shaky, including a three-run outing last month. Flaherty’s potential rustiness could be a factor since he hasn’t pitched since September 25th. This matchup sets the stage for an exciting encounter between two rivals.
