On Tuesday evening, the Los Angeles Dodgers (1-1, 1-1 RL 2-0 O/U) will face off against the San Diego Padres (3-1, 3-1 RL, 3-1 O/U) in Game Three of the National League Division Series. Walker Buehler will take the mound for the Dodgers, while Michael King will represent the Padres. The Dodgers secured a win in Game One, but the Padres responded emphatically with a 10-2 victory in Game Two.
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Dodgers Count on Buehler’s Experience
Walker Buehler is expected to lead the Dodgers from the mound. In his last performance against the Padres in late September, he delivered a strong showing, allowing just one run over five innings. After missing the entirety of last season due to an elbow injury, Buehler has battled to regain his former dominant self this year, posting a 5.38 ERA and a 1.55 WHIP with a 1-6 record across 75.1 innings pitched. However, he boasts a commendable 1.80 ERA and a 6-1 record in 75 career innings against San Diego.
As the series shifts to San Diego for the next two games, the Dodgers will need to harness their resilience. They came back from a 3-0 deficit in Game One to win 7-5 but faltered in Game Two, managing only five hits. Their struggles with runners in scoring position (RISP) continue, as they have hit just 4 for 20 in this series. With Buehler’s recent inconsistency, the Dodgers will require a stronger offensive performance as they look ahead to a potential Game Four with Knack on the hill.
Shohei Ohtani made a significant impact in his postseason debut with two hits and three RBIs in Game One, but he was unable to contribute in Game Two, finishing 0 for 4. His season stats against the Padres show a robust .922 OPS, and he has four RBIs against King in his career. Max Muncy has faced King 10 times, achieving two hits and an .873 OPS, with one RBI in the series.
During the regular season, the Dodgers averaged 5.20 runs per game, ranking them second in the league while posting a 3.90 ERA, placing them 13th overall.
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Padres’ Powerful Comeback Performance
The Padres will send Michael King to the mound for Game Three. King was exceptional in his wildcard outing against the Braves, delivering seven scoreless innings and earning the win. This season, he has emerged as a key player with a stellar 2.95 ERA and a 1.19 WHIP, holding a 13-9 record in 173.2 innings pitched. In his matchups against the Dodgers this year, he allowed 11 runs (seven earned) in 20 innings but boasts a strong 2.82 ERA and a 2-0 record in 22.1 career innings pitched against them.
Offensively, the Padres have showcased their strength, scoring five or more runs in three out of their four playoff games. They recorded a combined 15 runs in the first two games of this series and smashed a remarkable 10 home runs throughout the postseason. However, they only hit 4 for 18 with RISP in this series. At home, the Padres have a solid 4-1 record against the Dodgers this season.
Jackson Merrill has been instrumental to San Diego’s success this season, posting an impressive .840 OPS against the Dodgers. He and Fernando Tatis Jr. lead the team with five RBIs, while Merrill stands out with a remarkable 1.36 OPS in the postseason. Kyle Higashioka has also emerged as a surprising offensive contributor, securing at least one hit in each playoff game and contributing three home runs and four RBIs, boasting a strong 1.6 OPS.
Over the regular season, the Padres averaged 4.69 runs per game, ranking eighth, and they finished with a 3.86 ERA, which placed them 12th overall.
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Best Bets for Dodgers vs. Padres
The San Diego Padres are well-positioned for the upcoming games, particularly since they will be playing at home. Following their impressive 10-2 victory on Sunday, they have now secured three wins out of their four postseason games. The Padres have consistently performed well against the Dodgers at home, boasting a 4-1 record in their five home encounters this season.
In light of the injuries affecting the Dodgers’ pitching staff, they have no alternative but to rely on Walker Buehler for this crucial matchup. Buehler’s performance has not met expectations since returning from his elbow injury, with a disappointing 5.38 ERA and 1.55 WHIP this season. Conversely, Padres pitcher Michael King has been nothing short of spectacular, demonstrated by his seven scoreless innings pitched against the Braves in the wildcard series. King has effectively limited the Dodgers in his career, with a solid 2.82 ERA and 2-0 record across 22.1 innings.
